What Cathy Eats! – Page 28

Grecian Cafe (Spring Valley)

January 21, 2019 Cathy Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. Kirk, who is usually here writing, is out of the state and Cathy is sharing a short post.

For more than 20 years, this corner storefront (it shares parking with Round Table Pizza and is across the street from Rana's, a block East and kitty corner from Butler's Coffee House and one block West of Fruity Loco) has been a mainstay in Spring Valley.
Walk in, there's a menu over the cash register where you order and pay.
Find a seat and everything is brought to you. This is a 'Mom and Pop' run place and sometimes they are very busy.
The Mister and I each wanted a salad (instead of soup) with our orders and these large plates were brought out. Standard toppings, house made dressing; the Feta was was Greek (sharp, salty, firm)(I've been buying Bulgarian or Albanian Feta lately-milder and creamy), which I haven't had in a while and the saltiness was just right (I didn't have to add any tabletop condiments).
Gyros pita (I ordered the Combo #1-Gyro with salad and drink ($9.49)). The pita is so soft, fresh, warmed on the grill. The gyros is plentiful and with the tomato, onion and (house made) tzatziki, has great flavor in every bite.
If you've paid attention to some of my posts, you might have noticed The Mister orders moussaka when he sees it on the menu. The eggplant based dish has variations in its preparation. The entree ($11.99) comes with sliced pita and some very flavorful, fluffy rice in addition to the salad (or soup)
The version at Grecian Cafe has a tomato sauce on top of bechamel along with ground beef, eggplant and soft sliced baked potato on the bottom. The flavorful red sauce (I could taste cinnamon) was complimentary to everything else in the towering casserole. This is a wonderful version of this Greek classic recipe.

It's always good to visit established restaurants.

Grecian Cafe 9676 Campo Road (at Conrad) Spring Valley 91977 (619)464-0385 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 1 p.m.-8 p.m.

Boll Weevil (Lakeside)

January 20, 2019 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Burgers, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. Kirk is taking a break and gathering intel for future posts. Cathy is writing.

Back when Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and I were writing "Burger Week" posts, Kirk wrote about Boll Weevil in 2006, and I wrote about it in 2010 along with another 2010 post. Since then, a Boll Weevil opened (and subsequently closed) only two miles from home. We went there regularly, yet I never posted about it. Now, the closest Boll Weevil is about six miles away, in Lakeside.

This location, approximately a mile from the Lakeside Rodeo grounds, is appropriately themed. It's very large inside and has various areas where parties can be held.

The Mister and I tend to order the same thing on each visit. This is unusual for us because at other places, we like to order different things and share. When we go to Boll Weevil, it is for this:
1/2 pound Steerburgers, medium rare, no cheese ($8.69). This is a very satisfying meal when using the (photo at bottom) tabletop condiments.
A 'complete' burger sort of looks like this, before the soft, toasted bun is smashed so as to be able to fit into my mouth.
The Mister got all wild and crazy on the last visit and ordered a Buffalo Chicken Salad ($10.99) with Bleu Cheese dressing. The nuggets of chicken are lightly floured, fried and tossed in a nice Buffalo sauce. The lettuce, crispy, provides a nice cooling effect along with the chunks of bleu cheese in between bites. The Texas toast, slathered in garlic butter, is a nice accompaniment. On that visit, I ordered a half pound steer burger, medium rare. It's what I do.
One day, there was a tabletop special of a double cheeseburger with fries ($10.49). It was two 1/4 pound patties, so sort of the same as our 'usual' order but with cheese. Different for us, anyhow. It was good.
There are plenty of sides to choose from here, but the Frings (fries and rings) ($4.49) are a fallback order when we are hungry.

There are only five locations of (the 1966 founded, originally named Cotton Patch) Boll Weevil. Still a good, unpretentious burger.

Boll Weevil 9741 Wintergardens Road Lakeside, CA 92040 (619) 334-1718

Chopstix Too (one more time)

January 19, 2019 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! Kirk is taking a short break and Cathy is writing several short posts.

Kirk and I first wrote about Chopstix Too on the same post in 2006. I wrote some follow up posts: 2008, 2018 and probably other times. (Vicky wrote a post in 2009). Fast, casual, fresh, Japanese.

It's been raining for the past few days and I have more than several bowls of soup to show you, but last week, we changed it up.

Here is photographic proof that it does rain in Southern California.
We arrived before noon and the tables were not filled (they were by the time we left).
The Mister chose the plate of Ika Katsu with Mabo ($9.45). You may not think this is a big deal, but if you peruse my previous posts, each one of those shows a bowl of Mabo Ramen; this was the first time ever when it was not ordered. The Mabo sauce was great; it goes with rice, too! The fry on the squid was light, crispy, not oily-very tender squid. The miso was well made. The crisp salad was refreshing; we've only been eating cooked (in soups and stews) vegetables the past few weeks.
I chose the seafood yaki udon (instead of soba) ($9.95). Mussels, squid, shrimp, fresh vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, carrot, bean sprouts, green onion) and the fat udon noodles, stir fried was just comforting, texture and flavor filled bites throughout the whole plate.

The rain should be over by today, but we need some sunshine (and heat)-so much needs to dry to get the chill gone. It's still soup weather, though. Future posts.

Chopstix Too 4380 Kearny Mesa Road San Diego 92111 (858) 565-1288 open Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., until 9:30 p.m. on Fri-Sat website

2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Showcase of Floats, a meal at Mr. D.’s Diner (Pomona)

January 8, 2019 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Diner, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Salads, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a blog about food. There's always some reason we get to try the food that is blogged about. Today is a post of a New Year tradition (which I've shared for a few years) and a meal at a 'new-to-us' place.

The day began with an early wake up and drive North to Pasadena, where the 130th Tournament of Roses Rose Parade showcase of floats were lined up end-to-end on Sierra Madre Avenue, at the end of the five mile parade route. The walk along the floats is 2.5 miles and it's not all flat. There were 45 floats, along with Equestrian Units and Marching bands, for a total of 91 Units in the Parade. (I do have photos of each of the floats, many photos. If there is one you would like to see, I can put it at the end of this post). For now, here are some details of some of the floats which you might have missed as they ran across your television screen in less than 30 seconds. "Books Keep Us on Our Toes", by The UPS Store featured this ostrich in her ballet shoes and won the Sweepstakes Trophy for most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
"Garden Fresh" by Mrs. Meyers Clean Day featured the trademark outline of Mrs. Meyer watering a bathing (see the loofah?) sunflower.
Easter Seals is observing its 100th year and in addition to a cake and gifts, there was a cupcake or two on the float. The Lions Clubs International float, "Rockin' the Vest" (an ode to this 2011 'Rap' video used for recruiting new, younger members) had the Lion tail swinging along with the music. Also note the various materials used on the body of the Cadillac-nothing is one dimensional when decorating.

Cal Poly and "Far Out Frequencies" incorporated a guitar, accordion, tamborine and french horn in the design.
Carnival Cruise Lines had some SCUBA divers "underwater".
The backside of the drumming "Taiwan The Heart of Asia" entry from China Airlines (which won the International Trophy for Most Outstanding float from outside the United States) is beautifully detailed.
When the Stella Rosa "Taste the Magic" float first appeared, there was a great display of confetti and streamers, but even in the stationary position, there is a sort of motion seen in the design.
If you are from Southern California and listen to the radio, when Trader Joe's ads are finished, the announcer always says 'Thanks for Listening'…and the abbreviated license plate on their float (THX4LSN) is an ode to that detail.
The Big Bear "Play-Rest-Repeat" float entry showed many of the various activities available all four seasons in this community a few hours North of San Diego. Not only skiing and snowboarding, but also boating and fishing.

The Northwestern Mutual float, showed an elephant family on vacation, taking 'selfies'. This view (of the camera screen taking the selfie) was of the 'off camera' side; every part of each float is detailed.

There was a small fire on board the longest float entry this year (Link to story), disrupting the end of the parade. The float was saved because of good preparation (you know, all of those Road Tests I post about have one of the tests the ability for the entire float to clear off and out in 45 seconds). This entry from the Chinese American Heritage Foundation, "Harmony Through Union", depicting the final nail joining the Transcontinental Railroads (the "Golden Spike") was on display at the Showcase as was the tow truck that brought the float to this location.

Here are details of some other floats.

When we left the Showcase viewing area and started driving, we had to stop at Arsen's House of Cookies first (for cookies, boureks and a calendar) then headed East…somehow getting to Foothill Boulevard while passing many 'possible' lunch spots. We had seen another location of Mr. D's Diner but kept driving, until we saw this location and stopped.

The building looked like it had been a Coco's or some similar type of 'family' restaurant. The 'Specials' list outside the door showed us the pricing was reasonable.

The decor, 50's (this is part of "Route 66" after all). The menu had nine pages. The "To Go" menu only has seven pages.
We hadn't had much of a breakfast, so the Pancake Combo ($8.49) was a choice. Really nice, sweet, fluffy pancakes, perfect over easy eggs, skin on sausage and crispy flavorful bacon. Just right.
As with many of these family type diners, Greek choices are on the menu. The "Traditional Greek Salad" ($10.79)(add chicken $2.99) has on the menu in bold lettering "Lettuce Upon Request". "Traditional" means you get this- tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers feta and greek olives tossed in Greek olive oil and herbs. The (very large) bowl was topped with toasted pita. With the (plentiful amount of) grilled chicken, this was a hearty, tasty, perfect meal. It didn't need lettuce.

Glad we stopped and hope to stop here again.

Mr. D's Diner 401 E. Foothill Blvd. Pomona, CA (909)938-4222 Open daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. website

Traditions- 2019 calendars, Rosca de Reyes and fresh roasted chestnuts

January 6, 2019 Cathy Bakery, Stuff, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and sometimes food is a small part of the posts. Today, it's about 2/3. Cathy is writing.

Happy New Year and thank you for the good wishes via Kirk's post. It's a time of finishing up the holiday season, rearranging and writing '2019' on paperwork. Part of my regular activity consists of acquiring new calendars from various businesses and sometimes posting about them with photos. This year is the same.
It started out slow; there were four Saturdays before Christmas in December 2018. A lot of businesses waited to do their giveaways with a purchase.

Then giveaways began en masse and my friend, cc, helped by also collecting some of the calendars from various South Bay businesses. I had told her that it was sad that our, 'regular' calendar from Orchard Supply Hardware (which closed in October) would be missing after giving away a train-centric calendar every year since 1931. She even purchased one calendar for us (the outhouse one on the bottom right corner of this last photo (it will hold a prominent place in The Mister's office). We actually needed to find space for two more calendars because now there are so many.

Within some of the above linked posts there has also been mention of Rosca de Reyes, a traditional Mexican bread shared on the 12th night after Christmas (Epiphany, January 6, Feast of Three Kings), usually while taking down Christmas decor. (In France, the traditional bread is Galette de Rois). cc and I did a small 'food crawl' the other day and stopped at three South Bay bakeries.

All of the bakeries had beautiful window art advertising the upcoming holiday.

They also had beautiful displays of the roscas for pre-ordering…
as well as plenty of samples.

However, I had already pre-ordered (as well as picked up and mailed one Rosca on Thursday) from Su Pan. I was there at 6 a.m. today.
and Roscas as well as other fresh baked sweets were everywhere, fresh and ready to be picked up.
A Grande for our neighbor and a Chica for us. Fresh..so very fresh; the car smelled great. Three slices with breakfast was perfect!

Another annual tradition is to take advantage of the freshly roasted chestnuts from in front of Lucky Seafood Market (which ran out of calendars before we got one). The little tent covering the chestnut roaster has disappeared, but the roaster, attached to a propane tank is right there at the door. (Apologies for the thumbnails, something happened with the phone update and the large size shows up sideways, but clicking on these enlarges and makes them appear upright…I don't know…).

There is one more annual tradition, which will be posted soon. Does anyone else have unusual traditions?

Szechuan Chef-again

December 29, 2018 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you reading this food blog over the busy holidays. Kirk is working on some end of year stuff and Cathy is writing.

The Mister has a new favorite restaurant. Three times in December (so far) Szechuan Chef was his number one choice. I wrote about Szechuan Chef in 2017, 2015 and 2016. Kirk had an unfavorable post in 2013 and a slightly favorable post in 2017.

Located in the corner of a strip mall on Convoy Street (Next to Shan Xi Magic Kitchen with It's Boba Time also on the edge of the mall), Szechuan Chef has withstood the test of lasting in San Diego for more than five years. {noting that on one of our visits here, two busloads of tourists were dropped off for a quick snack at the back tables}
A hot pot of tea is brought out as you are seated, a rarity these days to have no charge. We ordered a scallion pancake($2.99) on this visit and it was flavorful, flaky, not oily and freshly made.
The fish filet ($10.99) was not spicy, nicely garlic-y and had a nice crispness to the breading, even though there was a (non-sticky) sauce covering it.
The sizzling chicken ($9.99) was quite nice and provided some vegetables with our meal-garlic, Chinese celery, red and green bell peppers. This was a pleasant dish. On our next visit, our same waiter came out and took our order without writing it down (as he had the previous visit). However, after a while, another waitress was poking him and pointing at us…and he walked over with this little plate of snacks from the liang cai- cold vegetable area, near the cash registers. He had forgotten to put in our order and asked what the second item was…so we enjoyed the garlicky smashed cucumbers and delicious smoked pork pieces while waiting a bit longer.
The Westlake Beef Soup ($9.99) was out first and was wonderful. Minced beef, chicken broth, rice wine, tofu and egg with some scallion. Simple yet hearty and filling.
We had ordered a braised yellow croaker with noodle ($14.99) and this turned out to be a great choice. A slightly sweet and tangy/sour sauce complimented the meaty whole fish. The noodles (which we had never ordered here before) were plump and flavorful, a great accompaniment (instead of rice). Will order again. The croaker remnants will someday be part of soup stock.
The spicy cumin deep fried fish ($11.99)was my choice the other day. I really enjoy the spice, heat and fry of this dish here. The onions, Chinese celery, red and green peppers are complimentary and can be tasted despite the heat of the chile and cumin.
The 'Spicy Beef in a Pot"($12.99) was great-you could taste the (very tender) beef as well as the vegetables in addition to enjoying the (different from the cumin fish) chile heat.There were lots of leftover chiles.
We decided to order our own liang cai on this visit (it's $7.99) and enjoyed the garlic cucumbers, smoked pork and tofu sheets (which had a nice sesame oil mix).

Szechuan Chef 4344 Convoy Street San Diego 92111 (858) 279-8881 Mon-Th 11:30-3:00, 4:30-9:30 Fri-Sat 11:00-10 Sun 11:00-9:30

Philippe the Original- a quick trip North for an apple (and some sandwiches)(again)

December 27, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! during this busy holiday season. Kirk is working some overtime and Cathy is writing.

The Mister and I had a spur of the moment flash this morning (for a reason you'll see at the end) and drove North for a quick bite. { Kirk posted back in 2007, and I wrote a post in 2014 and another post in 2016}.

Philippe the Original has been a Los Angeles staple for 110 years. It's been at this corner location since 1951.
The system is the same as it was in 1908; stand in line, order from the "carver" host ( who will prepare your meal while you stand there), pay (since 2015, they take credit cards!) and carry your tray filled with your order to whatever empty table space you can find. There's part of the menu as well as a peek into the kitchen and a jar of pickled eggs.
Action shot of our Host/Carver (Henrietta) slicing a French roll.
Some of our order is ready…
This is a pretty good photo of most of the desserts offered-I was interested in what is in that tray at the 10:00 position in this photo…the red things next to the cookies. Our order, counterclockwise. Lemonade (90¢). Single dip lamb sandwich ($9.85). Potato salad ($1.65). Double dip beef sandwich ($8.50). Pickled egg ($1.40). Baked apple ($3). Cup of chili ($3.25).
Here's a cross section of the double dipped beef and 1/4 of the quickly consumed chunky single dipped lamb. Each was wonderful in its own way. We did use drops of the famous house made very hot French mustard, available on each table. (I still contend that the recipe is partly hot Chinese mustard, since Chinatown is one block away)(the mustard has no horseradish). Either a pickle or a pickled egg is necessary with the meal. I love beets as well as pickled anything and the eggs here are ridiculously good. It's that bit of salt/bitter that goes with everything.
Around the third week of January each year, Philippe has a 'free chili day' for the first 500 customers. I've read about it but never tried the chili until today. It is a wonderful, slightly spicy/ hot Dolores brick chili (no beans; proper), served with three crackers. There's nothing else on the menu to go with chili and I can see this comfort cup (or bowl) being a meal choice if we lived closer (and therefore visited Philippe daily).

But really, the baked apple was the necessary purchase of the day. You see, from October until May the baked apples are available daily until they run out. During those other four months you can get a half grapefruit or a wonderful fruit cup. But this simply made, large and delicious treat was a craving.
Apples are cooked in deep pan in the the oven with a slightly sweet cinnamon syrup. Soft enough to be cut with a spoon (but you still have to hold the apple in place with a fork; it's not mushy), this baked fruit is just the perfect dessert to a hearty meal.

Philippe the Original 1001 N. Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 628-3781 open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily Website

Why did we decide to drive here today? So we could share a meal "live" with my brother and his family in Michigan. Philippe teamed up with Goldbelly in April and has has a six sandwich meal deal; a Christmas gift. The FaceTime meal worked out quite well.

O’Brien’s Boulangerie Bakery and Cafe (Poway)

December 16, 2018 Cathy Bakery, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! one more time. During this busy holiday season, routines are changed and many errands which were simple are now a chore. That's how this post happened. Cathy is writing today.

There was a small article in one of the newspapers a few weeks ago about O'Brien's Boulangerie…a wholesale bread supplier to various restaurants, hotels, casinos and country clubs in San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties which was established in 1989. O'Brien's had just moved locations and opened a Cafe (there are 20 seats downstairs and more upstairs) and is getting so much wholesale business that they might have to move again. This Poway location is on Stowe Drive just off of Community Road, a signal light North of Scripps Poway Parkway in a large office park area. I'm so glad we keep notes about places in odd locations.

Once you find it, you'll think it was an easy drive.
The bakery display case is tempting.
After you order and pay, you can gather your own coffee (although they have a great selection of barista prepared beverages), utensils, napkins, some water and find a seat. Your order will be brought to you.
The eating area was filled when we got here so I only took a photo of these seats facing the door. Quite a comfortable seating area.
The classic tuna sandwich ($9.50) served on a fresh, soft ciabatta. This was a substantial sandwich, which was shared. Lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise along with provolone topped a large portion of quality tuna salad. (It was mostly tuna, not much filler at all). Excellent sandwich.
A bear claw ($3.50) was served warm.
It was mostly marzipan…almond paste, toasted almond slices, a wonderful buttery, flaky pastry.

If you somehow find yourself in this area, don't miss dropping in.

O'Brien's Boulangerie 13615 Stowe Drive Poway, CA 92064 Website Open Mon-Fri 7-4, Sat 7-3 Closed Sunday
The rye bread ($6.95) A 1.5 lb loaf. Excellent crust, nicely seeded, good texture. Yes. We will be going back. Soon.

Mary’s Donuts (Lakeside) more than donuts!

December 11, 2018 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is funny; he thought that after working overtime on both weekend days, that His Monday would be easy..and short. He was wrong. Cathy is writing another post.

I grew up with three bakeries within five blocks of my home in Detroit. The Mister remembers three local bakeries he passed while walking to school in the Boston suburb where he grew up. There were local owned bakeries we found in Ann Arbor, Pensacola and Norfolk…and on our visits overseas. But donut-centric shops are a Southern California phenomenon. Go ahead, type in "donut" in the search bar on the upper left of this page. Over 1000 hits on this blog alone.

So, we are back at Mary's. The original location (photo at the bottom of this post) has closed (after 50 years there) and the new location in Santee is in the middle of a strip mall. That location is within walking distance of home and I've been known to drop in at odd hours of the day for a quick snack. However the 'new' (since October 2016) second location has a bit of an expanded menu.

The donut cases are kept filled. Along the top of the back wall, you'll see prices- the one on the right, a sort of menu, is most interesting. There's a non-carb choice.Bowls are $5.99. Scrambled eggs, choice of meat (bacon, sausage or ham) and choice of cheese (Swiss, Cheddar, Provolone). This was with Cheddar and breakfast sausage and was great- tasty, large portion (three eggs) and so very fresh.
Sandwiches here are $6.99. They come with a choice of bread (bagel, croissant and as of two weeks ago, fresh baked bread), meat (ham, turkey, bacon, sausage, egg), cheese(Swiss, Cheddar, Provolone) and toppings (lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard). Avocado is an additional 85¢. This Mary's location has just begun baking breads but not daily and I am eager to come back to try a sandwich on the rye.
The donuts. Look at the top shelf. Why, that's a lot of fritters. Some of those are apple, but…
Looks like a slice of peach on those on the right (next to the bacon maple bars)Lemon and blueberry.
Raspberry!
The fritters here are one of the the most expensive donuts in the case…$1.90. (Those bacon covered maple bars are also $1.90).
You can see the layers of raspberry intertwined in this beautiful, crisp edged, perfectly fried and glazed fritter. Of course we've tried the peach; it's excellent.

If you are out this way, it's worth the stop.

Mary's Donuts 10101 Maine Street Lakeside, CA 92040 (619)334-5272 ALWAYS OPEN

Pesto Craft Kitchen (SDSU area)

December 10, 2018 Cathy Italian Restaurants, Pizza, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back to reading about food in San Diego. Kirk has been working a lot of (weekend) overtime and Cathy is writing a few posts., like this one.

Customized, wood fired oven pizzas have been a restaurant phenomenon since about 2014. I've written two posts about Pieology and one post about Blaze. Pesto Craft Kitchen took over what originally was the location of Social Life Neapolitan Pizza in 2016. Pesto offers more than customizable pizza and salads.
The menu is visible when you walk in (this is an old photo with old prices because I apparently could not take a clear picture of it in the last year). (Use THIS link to see current prices on the website)
You walk along the ordering line.
A decadent snack served here are these delightful 'garlic knots', you can purchase 4 or 8 as an appetizer.
You can sort of see the fire in the oven through the protective glass.
There is an extensive selection of wines and beers.
We started with the calamari fries ($9.95) These are served with a roasted garlic spicy tomato sauce. Meaty strips of squid, breaded with a herb-y coating. A large portion, apparently meant to be shared or this could be a low-carb meal.
When we do enjoy a pasta dish, baked is preferred.In this case, four cheese ravioli ($13.95) which had craft pesto and was topped with marinara and mozzarella. The pasta, cheese fillings, pesto, marinara and even the side of toasted garlic bread were each distinctive in fresh flavors. This was a filling meal…yet we wanted more.
I went back in line and ordered a smoked ham calzone ($9.95)
Mozzarella and ricotta are the cheeses, the wood fired crust had the char that gave the crust flavor and crunch. The cheeses, the bit of marinara sauce…this was wonderful. We had a bite in the restaurant and took the rest home for dinner. A great day of meals.

Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen 6011 El Cajon Blvd, Suite A San Diego, CA 92115 (619)265-2700 Website Open Sun-Thurs 10:30-9:30, closes at 10:00 Fri-Sat