China Express

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is working this weekend.  I'm sure He is eating, but really, He doesn't want to write about it; he'd rather sleep.  Cathy is writing this post.

Tucked in the middle of a bunch of storefronts (many of which Kirk and I have blogged about; some are still there and most are gone-it's the mall with the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and a Carl's. Jr. closest to the street) at the South West corner of Clairmont Mesa Boulevard at Ruffin Road (the other side of Ruffin from the new Kaiser Hospital which used to be the Registrar of Voters office) is China Express.Fullsizeoutput_40eYou might notice the sign above the entrance with the "3 items & 1 side order w/soup or canned soda $6.49". The small print at the bottom is "choose only from steam table"- this seems to be what most people order. 
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The steam table is kept fresh, the side orders consist of steamed rice, fried rice or chow mein. 
Fullsizeoutput_40eThe egg drop soup is excellent-very eggy and fresh.  There is also wonton and hot and sour soup.  
Fullsizeoutput_40eAll the meals are given in 'to go' containers, even if you are eating in.  This is what the three item combo looks like.  The dark meat is 'spicy chicken'-it has those jalapeño-looking chilis, which are a bit spicy as the heat component.  This chicken is also sweet, I think it's honey. The top left corner is chicken and mushrooms; this was very good.  The bottom left is Szechuan chicken-a different, dried chili, lots of vegetables(bell peppers, those little canned corn things and mushrooms) and quite nice.  Not a bad meal for $6.99 (with tax).

There is also a six page menu…two of those pages list 30 Monday-Friday lunch specials (all $5.25) and 21 party trays and 30 combination specials.  
Fullsizeoutput_40e Under the 'Chef's Specials' portion of the menu, the Hunan Beef ($10.99) was a good choice.  It wasn't crazy spicy, despite the small chili on the menu indicating heat; it's pleasant.  Since it is made to order, the vegetables are freshly stir fried, still crispy.  There is bok choy, celery, onion, red and green bell pepper.  The beef was thick cut, tender and plentiful (that container is large).  This was a great meal. 
Fullsizeoutput_40eThe spice and sweet on the General Tso's Bean Curd ($7.50), combined with the light breading and crisp fry made this (very large) serving a new craving.
Fullsizeoutput_40e You may recall that The Mister and I like to try Egg Foo Young from each menu where we see it offered (because no two are ever the same).   The chicken Egg Foo Young ($6.75) version here was yet another new experience. IMG_1068The chicken was cut in strips.  The egg and onion mix had peas and carrots and scallion bits.  The gravy was nice-not too thick and not salty. There were no bean sprouts. This version was great. 

It's always fun to find a new (to us) place.  I hope your weekend is going well.

China Express 9353 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego CA 92123 (858)277-2388    Open Mon-Fri 10am-9:45 pm, Sat 11 am-9:45 pm, Sun 3 pm-9:30 pm 

Perry’s Cafe (Old Town)

Thanks for reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk has a few busy workdays ahead, so Cathy is writing about food and stuff.

The Mister and I have been trying to walk a bit more (a sort of early New Year Resolution) and there are so many places around San Diego which are not filled with tourists now, that's it's nice to avoid crowds.IMG_1190

IMG_4612Old Town San Diego is a State Historic Park and is filled with tourists during the warm months of the year.  Parking is free as is the ability to visit some original buildings, all with written explanations of their original purpose. IMG_4618
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IMG_4612There is something to see and learn about at every turn.  It's a nice place to visit and learn about the History of San Diego, at your own pace.
IMG_4612 Just at the Southwest edge of the park (beyond the Trolley) is Perry's.
IMG_4612Kirk wrote about this old school diner for the first time in 2007 and has mentioned it in other posts.  We were here just past noon; not in a breakfast mood. 
IMG_4612It was crowded on this weekday and we were seated in the large 'back room'.  There is a 'proper' Roman numeral clock (the '4' has four sticks, not three) here. (here are a bunch of theories why).  
IMG_4612We each chose a soup of the day: beef vegetable for The Mister,
IMG_4612 and lentil-pea soup for me.  Each was made in-house, quite flavorful and very satisfying.  One was a meal in itself…
IMG_4612 …combined with this salad, which was blue cheese dressed (a good quality dressing).  Just enough for a light meal.  (soup and salad, $7.95)
IMG_4703 When walking in the white board special of baked fish ($10) had caught our eye, so it was ordered.  Two large pieces of firm white fish (maybe it was cod) lightly breaded and baked to a crisp crunch.  Mashed potatoes (with a lovely gravy) and green beans completed this dish.  There was enough to share.  
A good meal on a nice day.  {Unlike whatever happened here last night. Rain, floods and power outages!}

Perry's Cafe 4620 Pacific Hwy San Diego, CA 92110  (619) 291-7121 Open daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Website

2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float decorating, dinner at Costa’s Family Restaurant (Covina)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog which sometimes includes stories about attainment of the food.  Today, Cathy is writing while Kirk is busy at work. 

This past Saturday, the 'Dry Decoration Days' for the 130th Tournament of Roses Rose Parade at Phoenix Decorating Company began.   Here are some photos of materials and details of what happened.  (sentence descriptions are in order of  thumbprints)IMG_1404 IMG_1460 IMG_1337IMG_1472IMG_1337IMG_1337IMG_1337IMG_1337IMG_1337IMG_1337IMG_1462IMG_1462 IMG_1445 The various colors of statice need to be cut from the stems (after drying a bit).  There are crushed peas, yellow straw flowers, some leftover straw flowers from last year.  You can see black beans which were tediously placed on some signage (those beans have white 'eyes' which need to be placed away from being seen).  There are branches and lunaria ('money plant'-those opaque white circles) and pine cones.  The beans use 'oasis glue' to stick to the foam backing. Green pea halves are glued on the 'Service Rocks' signage. The watermelons have the light stripes covered in crushed green peas and the dark stripes are covered in crushed dry parsley.  More pine cones are taken apart and the individual acicular shaped leaves (sometimes called needles) are individually placed on the edge of a small 'birdhouse'.  Dry materials are stored in large airtight trash cans.
IMG_1450Here's a look at the 'Glue Station' where each type of glue (white and oasis) are picked up (and where unused glue is returned).

Here are some of the 19 floats being decorated here (some floats are still under construction).
IMG_1511The Banner float- first one you will see in the parade. it introduces the theme of "The Melody of Life".  Each float will have some sort of way of showcasing music and/or musical instruments. The Grand Marshal of the Parade is Chaka Kahn.
IMG_1404"Service Rocks" sponsored by Rotary International.  See…the crocodile…and the title includes 'rocks'…I'm guessing 'Crocodile Rock' is the song for this float. 
IMG_1404 "Fezzy's garden of Hope and Healing", sponsored by Shriners Hospitals for Children. It's cute, pretty and will be fun to watch.IMG_1319 "Rockin the Vest" sponsored by Lions Clubs International. If you recall, I posted a link to the 2011 Lions Club video (titled 'Rockin' the Vest') which was used to recruit new members.  Lions Club is the world's largest volunteer organization and members wear distinctive yellow vests when performing community service. IMG_1467The United Sikh Mission is sponsoring "A Divine Melody Resonates in All", featuring a Rabab, a stringed instrument from around AD 900. 
IMG_1467 Fullsizeoutput_d "Garden Fresh" has such a cute float design for a new sponsor this year, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day.IMG_1367"Yellow Submarine", sponsored by Western Asset will be. joy to watch as well as hear.  Many interesting materials will be used on this float. 
IMG_1367"Helping Kids Rock Their Future", sponsored by Kiwanis International is a giant 'jukebox'(the underside of those records are covered with either poppy seeds or black onion seeds).
IMG_1367The American Legion, a Veteran association, is sponsoring "Still Serving America" this year.  (All floats have to be able to fit along the parade route in certain areas and so that's why you see 'collapsed' parts, like the eagle head).
IMG_1367The Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, a service organization, is celebrating "200 years of Harmony" with this delightful calliope featuring flags of some of the countries where they serve.
IMG_1367The American Armenian Rose Float Association is sponsoring another history laden float, "Chanting Stones, Karahunj" and will feature two men dancing atop the 'Singing Stones' of Sisian. IMG_1440The City of Hope is sponsoring "Harmony of Hope", which will be another beautiful float reminding us of The Miracle of Science with Soul. You'll see some DNA strands and other details when the float passes. 
IMG_1452 "Joy to the World, the Lord is Come" is presented by the Lutheran Hour Ministries and will not only have bells and horns on the float, but also a choir! (we volunteer with the Petal Pushers to decorate floats which helps defray the cost of this, the only Christian themed float, in the Parade for the 69th year). 
IMG_1366The entry from Trader Joe's, "Ride, Captain, Ride" has a secret you'll see on January 1. Even without the surprise, it's an attractive float.
IMG_1452 IMG_1417The final float in the parade will advertise what's coming up later that day, the 105th Rose Bowl football game. The float is a replica of the bowl and has a replica of the trophy given to the winning team.  
IMG_1439The City of Alhambra's float, "Home Tweet Home"is just so very distinguished and cute.  

I have had posts showing road tests of most of these floats (Road tests #1 and #2Road test #3Road tests #4 and #5…and Road Test #6. 2018 has been long and the parade will be here on January 1, 2019 to kick off a new beginning.  

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This is why (most of) you are here…the food portion of this post.  

The Mister and I were exhausted and left the float barn at about 4:30.  We did have lunch and a light breakfast (at the Kolache Factory) and were ready for a relaxing (seated on real chairs) dinner.  We headed back to a spot here we enjoyed breakfasts two weeks in a row-Costa's  Family Restaurant in Covina, a few exits east of our Irwindale entrance back onto the 210.IMG_1521The back room had a few Christmas decorations. 
IMG_1521 My meal came with a salad and I was asked if beets would be OK…of course beets are OK, beets are wonderful!
IMG_1521The Mister had a choice of soups and chicken and dumplings it was…made from scratch.  A great soup. 
IMG_1521The dinner rolls were, of course, home made. 
IMG_1521The Mister ordered the Trout Dinner ($10.49).  Lightly pan fried, skin on trout filet served with a house made tartar sauce, tomato-onion green beans and (real) rice pilaf. This food- all of it was wonderful. 
IMG_1521I decided on a menu dinner special, Prime Rib ($13.49). Got it with the same green beans and a baked potato.   Wonderful, satisfying, most of everything from scratch…what more could we want?
IMG_1521Dessert- included (!) This is a from scratch tapioca pudding.  Vanilla…very vanilla.
IMG_1521Bread pudding…caramel bread pudding.  

If we lived in Covina, Costa's would be a daily stop.  

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

Kura (Conveyor sushi) (revisits)

Thanks for stopping to look at mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Kirk is getting used to the time zone change so Cathy is writing a brief post.

I wrote about Kula the first time in 2015, when we first went to the Rancho Cucamonga location.  The conveyor sushi chain arrived in San Diego in about 2016 and I wrote a post in early 2017.  (Those links have some explanatory stuff in case you've never been).   At some point, the nationwide chain changed its name to Kura (at least on the exterior of the building) and raised the basic price of revolving sushi standard plates to $2.50 each.  There is an outdoor Tablet sign in/wait list or you can reserve a seat using a mobile app.  We usually ask to sit at the counter. 

IMG_0029   20EB6749-337A-4BF7-A18F-B43A2351D1F9This time, I was right at the corner and could see into the open kitchen.  There was a tabletop photo ad of new offerings. 
20EB6749-337A-4BF7-A18F-B43A2351D1F9There is a first plate 'introducing' the following plates, all connected to each other; it helps the kitchen know what to refill. 
20EB6749-337A-4BF7-A18F-B43A2351D1F9I always grab the sunomono when it arrives in front of me.  A perfect balance of vinegar and soy covering cucumbers, seaweed and bits of tamago (a sweet egg omelet which can be a dessert by itself).  Everything on a green plate is $2.50; you slide used plates in a slot in the table when it's time to pay the bill. 
20EB6749-337A-4BF7-A18F-B43A2351D1F9If you end up with 15 of those plates, after insertion in the slot, the Bikkura Pon machine will shoot out a ball filled with a small gift directly on your table.  We've never had that many small plates; tend to order from the Tablet you see at the second level.  Most Tablet items are the same as on the conveyor, but are a bit more fresh; other items are made to order.
20EB6749-337A-4BF7-A18F-B43A2351D1F9
20EB6749-337A-4BF7-A18F-B43A2351D1F9 While waiting for an order to arrive (it stops right in front of the Tablet where you placed the order- on a second conveyor belt) I saw the Tuna Yukhoe and wanted to try (yukhoe is akin to tartare; raw.  Though the egg yolk is cooked.) The raw tuna is marinated in soy, sesame oil, garlic and has some sesame seeds mixed in). Kind of poke, in a good way.9529FC87-4BBB-4990-9F8B-861E1D4D948B The garlic steak is quite nice (we ordered from the Tablet, so the steak arrived warm). Crunch garlic on top.

8C797461-75E0-4680-8E98-E8CEC5852665New to us on the menu was shrimp stuffed baked avocado ($3.60).  It arrived with a small spoon.
8C797461-75E0-4680-8E98-E8CEC5852665This will be ordered again.  It was divine.  Lots of shrimp, melted cheese, just warm ripe avocado.  A meal.  

8323120B-6787-45A9-AD3B-844A32300C8DThe squid tempura ($3.60) was interesting this time; there were two pieces of chicken karaage mixed in.  All good; light breading, perfect fry.
8323120B-6787-45A9-AD3B-844A32300C8D Also new on the menu was grilled albacore ($3.60).  The fish by itself was excellent; char grill, a meaty piece that flaked perfectly.  The slices of jalapeño were a 'warning'…those carrots had something mixed in that had a nice kick of spice; it complimented the fish and was good on its own. 47E69E27-566F-478B-8B86-69888E18CD1A The soft shell crab ($4.80) is also one of those items we must always order; it's done right here.  The batter, the fry, the shaved radish with a dollop of yellow hot radish.  Just so nice.  2DD74448-8526-4C28-9CB6-1212127DCA90  The hand rolls (as you can see, $2.50) are ordered on the Tablet and arrive quickly.  They are offered with soy paper wrap instead of seaweed; a little different in flavor…lots of flavorful sesame seeds and really good; a compliment to the rice and tuna filling. C67AA022-72C4-47C0-9495-9056D38544C3 The dessert we shared ($3.60)-Anmitsu. Vanilla ice cream with a sort of caramel sauce, red bean paste, small mochi, a marinated strawberry.  If you see it, get it-a perfect ending.  

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar  4609 Convoy San Diego 92111 Open Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Website

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The Lunch Box (La Mesa)(Again)

mmm-yoso!!!  is a San Diego based food blog, writing about places to eat in the City, County, State, Nation and World. Today is Small Business Saturday ( the day following Black Friday and just before Cyber Monday) part of the holiday weekend which began with Thanksgiving Day.  Cathy is writing about a locally owned restaurant. 

Three and a half years ago, I posted about breakfast at The Lunch Box in La Mesa and said I'd write about lunch at The Lunch Box. Here we are. The $5.95 weekday special is now $6.75 because time marches on.  This family owned small business has been a staple on La Mesa Boulevard at Jackson since 2009.  Each time we stop in, neighborhood locals are enjoying breakfast and lunch.

EA48B417-8863-453A-98A0-C495642E6B10 
IMG_6283  There were whiteboard specials out front this day and the raisin bread French toast with bacon was $8.50 (usually the toast by itself is $7.50 and adding two eggs and bacon is an additional $3.50).  As you may have noticed, I order raisin filled items whenever I can.  This is a regular order and is made so well; crispy exterior and fluffy interior…heavenly, proper French toast. IMG_6284 IMG_6289This breakfast sandwich ($7.50) was also a special noted at the front door (usually the sandwich does not come with spinach). Eggs, cheese (The Mister chose Swiss) and bacon with tomatoes and spinach on a toasted, buttery buttered croissant.  Wonderful.  

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Finally, I am posting about an actual LUNCH at The Lunch Box.  

FE857AE1-0978-40FD-9730-075BC0BB6B84The menu for lunch is basically sandwiches, wraps and salads.  

All sandwiches come with a bag of kettle chips and a fresh, warm (chocolate chip) cookie…because it is The Lunch Box.

8ACE46D4-4FC0-4AD5-B635-DD586E016D38 A607DE3F-D605-4446-B06B-5FBD4AEED14EA 'Basic 1/2 Sandwich Combo'-with soup (in this case chili) ($8.50) or pasta salad, potato salad or green salad.  That's the tuna salad on rye.  Yes, it is good. *Really*good- the tuna as well as the bread.
A607DE3F-D605-4446-B06B-5FBD4AEED14E The chili has beans and lentils and coarse burger and all sorts of great stuff.  Housemade and available each day, a bowl can be a meal on a cold day or on a warm day.34D0CE38-7FD0-46E1-B99A-64223652C3A5 The 'Specialty or Hot 1/2 Sandwich Combo' ($8.50), in this case 'The Big Guy' (this as a full sandwich is $10.50) on a torta has roast beef, turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Each meat is quality, the sandwich is overfilled, the torta is fresh (and recommended for this particular sandwich).
B00AFE6F-3A3A-4D82-8913-3C7129F4D8AA the side green salad is very large.  This is a tasty, filling meal. 

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is enjoying this long weekend.  

cc was here in February, anyone else?

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli 8751 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa 91941 (619)463-4013 Open Tue-Fri 7:30-2, Sat 7:30-1 Closed Sunday and Monday  Website

TJ Oyster Bar (again)

Here you are reading mmm-yoso!!! on Thanksgiving Eve…or Thanksgiving Day.  Cathy is writing a short post about another regular stop.  Kirk is busy, elsewhere, with His Missus.

There are two locations of TJ Oyster Bar in Bonita with the third in Chula Vista- all East of the 805.  The Mister and I have been to all three, but we keep returning to the original location, even though it is the smallest.0B60DDE4-5D06-4D35-9E3B-496AD4FACC34
0B60DDE4-5D06-4D35-9E3B-496AD4FACC34 There are five two top tables and about 12 bar stools of seating inside and two-four seat tables out in front.  The cash register is right in front when you walk in: order, pay, find a seat.
0B60DDE4-5D06-4D35-9E3B-496AD4FACC34On this visit, we decided to share a fried calamari appetizer ($9).  It was nice that they did give us two forks .  The batter is thin/light and the fry is correct.  The squid is tender and the dipping sauce has a light amount of spice; a complimentary flavor.  I did add salt at the end. 
0B60DDE4-5D06-4D35-9E3B-496AD4FACC34We had to get the fish tacos ($1.25 each) which are in a beer batter (slightly thicker; good crunch).  The fish pieces are large, the cabbage and salsa and white sauce are just enough (not overpowering).  The corn tortillas have nice light corn flavor and because they were warmed, a good chew.  
0B60DDE4-5D06-4D35-9E3B-496AD4FACC34The grilled fish salad ($9)is exceptional.  The fish is (as you can see) lightly grilled and the salad served with an avocado half.  The salad was a bed of Romaine (which had not yet been recalled; we were here last Friday) which had a great housemade salad dressing mixed in-in perfect proportions (creamy but not overpowering in any one flavor; not much garlic). 

Just a nice place to stop in for quality Mexican seafood. 

TJ Oyster Bar 4246 Bonita Road Bonita, 92002 (619) 267-4577 Mon-Th 11:30-9, Fri 11:30-10, Sat noon-9, Sun noon-8 

Marie Callender’s-Breakfasts

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!.  This food blog tries to post daily about places where either Kirk or Cathy has had a meal.  Sometimes we write about events leading to that meal, but that isn't the case today.  Cathy is writing.

 When I wrote the post about Marie Callender's in September, I realized the hours of operation began at 8 a.m….breakfast!  Yet, The Mister and I never had stopped here for breakfast.  The other day, we managed to drop in. 45BC2FAA-57F1-472F-9E97-B2EDC72E4521
AFFD1257-6143-40AE-A9E0-A257A6B9A525The pie display wasn't yet filled.
AFFD1257-6143-40AE-A9E0-A257A6B9A525 The bar area had only a few people seated. There was a breakfast meeting on the other side of the restaurant. The menu (at the bottom of this post) was simple and interesting.   

17C89136-B322-4B29-8398-0F6A965A4D03You know how a complimentary giant piece of Marie Callender's cornbread is brought out for your lunch or dinner meal?  Well, at breakfast, it's a complimentary piece of banana blueberry bread…streusel topped…still warm.  Wonderful. 921E5E9D-7E8E-44BF-B629-F0A38D8F3BD0 The Big Country Smasher Skillet ($10.29)…a bed of tots topped with applewood bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, a blend of cheeses (Jack, Cheddar and Swiss) and country gravy.  Good country gravy-pepper-y and with sausage and such flavor on its own.  A hearty meal. 

921E5E9D-7E8E-44BF-B629-F0A38D8F3BD0 Let's not play games.  We (I) come here for the pie.  This is probably why we (I) never considered Marie's for breakfast.  Oh, but there was a surprise on the menu: The Banana Cream Pie Pancake Platter ($9.59). Yes.  Banana cream pie is indeed sometimes a choice.  You know it's made with fresh sliced bananas.  There's also a pudding-like filling, which was still warm on top of the pancakes. Then there was whipped cream; vanilla flavored.  Topped with sliced toasted almonds.  Heaven.  The platter came with two eggs (any style, so I chose over easy) and a choice of bacon or sausage…or one of each.  So I did. Then the surprise.
921E5E9D-7E8E-44BF-B629-F0A38D8F3BD0   The warm pudding and sliced bananas was on top of each pancake (!) It pretty much was banana cream pie with a different crust- for breakfast.  Oh, the eggs were great, so was the bacon and the sausage.

Marie Callender's has been doing breakfast for 40 years.  I am so happy I finally discovered this fact.  We will be back and maybe try other parts of the breakfast menu and take home a slice of pie…or I'll just get this again. 

Marie Callender's 6950 Alvarado Road San Diego, CA 92120 (619)465-1910 Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Website
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Oaks Bar and Grill (Carlton Oaks Golf Course-Santee)

mmm-yoso!!! is still blogging during this busy Thanksgiving week.  Kirk and His Missus are out and about and Cathy is hanging around with some posts which might interest you.

I wrote about Oaks Bar and Grill more than four years ago and am happy to say we still stop in; I just don't post about it.  Here's a recent meal.

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IMG_9503The views at sunset can be amazing.
IMG_9503The interior is filled with televised sporting events.
IMG_9503 We've been dropping in during Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 5-7) (the yellow menu at the bottom of this post)  Coconut Shrimp ($6) is satisfying and plenty. 
IMG_9503We shared 1/2 caesar salad ($5.25) this day.
IMG_9503 Why were we really here?  Wednesdays 4:30-9 (until December 26).  Prime Rib ($18.95)

I asked for it to be 'rare-medium rare'.  It was.  

A very large portion (I never have asked, but it's at least 10 ounces), the Prime comes with the steamed vegetables and smashed potatoes.  All of this food ordered was more than enough for two to share; we had leftovers.  

Breakfasts here are great and served seven days a week.  Everyone has to eat wherever they work or live.  This really is a great little place in our neighborhood. 

Oaks Bar & Grill 9200 Inwood Drive, Santee, CA 92071 (619) 448-4242 opens Mon-Fri 7 a.m.  Sat-Sun 6 a.m. Website
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2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Road Test #6; Breakfast at Bravo Burgers (Chino)

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a blog about food.  There are so many reasons we discover the food.  Cathy is writing today's post, because she did this drive and saw this stuff and discovered another restaurant on the way home.  Kirk isn't in town.

Yesterday was the sixth 'official' road test for floats participating in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade built by Phoenix Decorating Company. { Here are links to road tests #1 and #2, road test #3 and here is road test #4 and #5} (There are three other decorating companies and six floats are 'self built'; we volunteer with the Petal Pushers when we decorate floats.  You can, too!).B9387C04-6ECE-4DE2-A590-7C81EF00009C      6838E741-A9B6-45E9-8C3E-F7FAA859DB40
The first float you will see in the parade, "Theme Float" will have the theme banner right there on the front (where the rectangle is cut out for the float 'spotter' to look out onto the parade route (each float has a 'driver', who basically looks down onto the rose colored line drawn on the street to know he/she is driving along the center of the route and a 'spotter' who communicates to the driver via a headset if the pace needs to be slowed, stopped or sped up)(look for other 'spotter' rectangles in the next two float photos)). The theme of "The Melody of Life" is reflected on that swoop going up behind the float- see the small music notes?
B9387C04-6ECE-4DE2-A590-7C81EF00009C The closing float this year will remind viewers of what is to come- the Tournament of Roses Rose Bowl Game.  The float is designed like the Rose Bowl Stadium and a larger than life replica of the winners trophy is prominent. BEFA2D86-1C35-4983-86E6-1F6E625CBB30
BEFA2D86-1C35-4983-86E6-1F6E625CBB30 Western Asset's entry is simply titled "Yellow Submarine"..and we can all guess which song we will hear when it passes on the television screen (or in front of you if you are fortunate enough to have a seat on Colorado Boulevard on January 1). 
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The American Armenian Rose Float Association's entry of "Chanting Stones" Is proving to be again, another educational entry: KARAHUNJ “Armenia’s singing stones full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and simplicity.”
Located on a mountain plateau in Sisian in the Syunik province, also called Zorats Karer in Armenian which literally translates to Army Stones, Karahundj (meaning Speaking Stones probably related to the fact that on a windy day the stones make whistling sounds because of holes in the stones. According to the scientist’s findings, a temple consisting of 40 stones built in honor of the Armenians’ main God, Ari, meaning the Sun, is situated in the central part. It also had a large observatory and a university. In total 223 stones or so were registered.
These basalt stones range from 0.5 to 3 m high and weigh up to 10 tons.
It is even suggested based on findings that it predates the Stonehenge by 3500 years.
D14AAB9A-6361-45C5-AC8C-6DE3C1EEC822Honda- the sponsor of the parade had a road test of "Celebration of Dreams".  The main float is way up front, followed by five 'satellite' floats.72C84E61-A1FF-4214-BA32-CCBEB8195C5172C84E61-A1FF-4214-BA32-CCBEB8195C51 Here is a link to artist renditions of the Phoenix Decorating Company floats for the 2019 parade.

 

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We now move to the food portion of this post.  Long story short, last Saturday we arrived before Cravings by 99 Ranch opened (at 10 a.m.) and drove around looking for a non-chain breakfast place.  We ate here then and again the following Saturday.
  0517587D-B290-42F7-A44C-C347C591028BUnder the 71 and turning down the parallel road, we saw this.  Turns out there are four locations of Bravo Burgers, none in San Diego. 
0AEC0811-C896-41CE-AF8E-629AF97EA920
0AEC0811-C896-41CE-AF8E-629AF97EA920B3E393E7-894E-49A7-99AF-4BA06A0FD9CAThe menu is there on the wall behind the cash registers, along with some supplemental menu specials on the counter.  
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9A4EBD76-3027-42AB-A5D8-B34F3EC6F708The ham and egg sandwich ($6.29) is quite large, with a large piece ham steak, plenty of eggs and lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.  What a breakfast!
IMG_0456On the countertop Specials board, the waffle with two eggs and two sausage ($7.79) looked interesting.  The waffle was sweet, crispy, fluffy with perfect over easy eggs and wonderful  skin on breakfast sausages. Coarse grind and great flavor. 
11791909-2B25-47F4-84A1-7840EA57A2E5The bacon egg burrito ($6.29) is hefty.  Eggs, bacon, cheese and hash browns (see next photo).  This was a good choice. 
11791909-2B25-47F4-84A1-7840EA57A2E5 25DCEC2B-EF8C-4D47-AE7B-D04200EF9CB8Steak and eggs ($11.15) came with more of those crispy hash browns.  The eggs, again cooked perfectly and the steak a definite medium rare.  Plenty of food and I think the first item (the ham and egg sandwich) was enough for a meal.  We'll try more menu items next time…maybe even a Bravo Burger. 


Bravo Burgers 14698 Pipeline Avenue Chino Hills, CA (909)393-5595 website Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily 
 
9A4EBD76-3027-42AB-A5D8-B34F3EC6F708 There's a salsa bar set up all day next to the beverage machine. Great salsas, great chips.
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