What Cathy Eats! – Page 37

Asia Cafe (new owners; same food)

September 25, 2017 Cathy Lao Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!, What Ed Eats -You too can be like Ed!

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! We write about food. Today it is Cathy writing. This is uncharted territory; Ed has died, memories flow. Thanks to everyone for your kind messages about our dear friend.

I remember reading Kirk's two-part post, as well as a third visit, all in 2006, about Asia Cafe.

The first time I went to Asia Cafe, it was in July 2008- I met Ed (from Yuma) when He stopped here *before* checking into his Point Loma motel. He didn't have a mobile phone then and we had to coordinate the meeting time. Neither of us posted about the meal. {We did however, write this post about lunch the following day}.
Other than some new(er) tables and chairs, the exterior and interior haven't changed much. The owners have. The menu (at the bottom of this post) is similar, with the 'off menu' items now listed. Ordering hot tea ($1) gets a nice size mug delivered.
The Mister is back into his spicy cravings mode and ordered the papaya salad ($6) at a heat level of '3'(out of 5). Good thing he did; this was a just right amount of heat for him, while I was still able to taste the freshly shredded green papaya. The tomatoes added a bit of calming flavor as did the savory salty fish sauce in the base. I was here for the Nem Khao ($8) and it did not disappoint. The crispy rice with fried garlic and sour sausage dish was just about as I remembered, although the sausage was a bit more chopped up/in finer pieces than I remembered. The flavors (I could taste the lemongrass in the sour sausage) were all there. As our third dish, (we try to order one for each of us plus 'one for the table'), The Mister wanted to try the Phad See Ew with chicken ($6.50). Crisped pan fried wide noodles with egg, broccoli, carrots and mushrooms made this dish a flavorful combination of comfort.

Some good friend and good food memories recalled today.

Asia Cafe 4710 Market St San Diego, CA 92102

Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe (Scripps Ranch/Sabre Springs area)

September 18, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a San Diego based food blog, with posts usually written by Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy. Kirk is unusually busy with work and Ed (from Yuma) is busy with so much else. Cathy is writing.

I'd been hearing about Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe for years (it's fifth anniversary was this past Friday) and The Mister and I were in the area about two weeks ago, able to stop for a quick lunch. Located at the first signal light east from the Poway Road exit off the 15, in a generic mall anchored by AAA, between a Music Store and the San Diego Bloodbank, the spacious building has both indoor and outdoor seating. Walk up, order, pay and your food is brought out to your table indicated by cleverly recycled (numbers from an old cash register) utensil tin. Condiments and water are self serve. The above chalkboard menu is only Monday-Friday; weekends have a unique (seasonal) brunch menu (another post).
For this first visit, I decided to try the half soup half salad plate($9.50). The tomato-basil bisque was the soup of the day (there is only one soup each day) and that half bowl was quite a lot (sorry the photo is deceptive; it's a deep bowl). Fresh tomatoes and light (not heavy/cheesy or cream laden) basil flavors were just right on that hot day. The salad I chose was the Neptune: organic spinach, organic quinoa, wild albacore, olives, soft boiled egg with a balsamic dressing. A really great salad. The Mister decided to order a Bombay Sandwich ($9)-brûléed ham, curry-apple chutney, cream cheese, shredded sharp white cheddar and organic greens on a (wonderful, fresh, soft) French artisan roll. Served with some house made chips, this was a wonderful version of 'ham and cheese'.

Reading the menu, I noticed many house made or local made condiment 'spreads' (local honey, garlic spread, tomato spread, carmelized pineapple spread, Bleu spread, chipotle aioli, BBQ sauce, the curry-apple chutney and more). Even though we were both satisfied with our meals, The Mister decided to walk up and check out the baked goods on display. He sat down, told me we'd have to wait six minutes for the order to be warmed…this really great berry-apple-almond bread pudding ($4.95) was brought out, accompanied by a very nice vanilla flavored whipped topping (I don't think it was cream, because it didn't have that residual 'fat' coating…and many items are vegan).

A scratch bakery, organic and local sourced products, high quality and reasonable prices. We'll be back.

Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe 12640 Sabre Springs Parkway , Ste 107 San Diego, CA 92128 (858)486-8863 Open Mon-Fri 7:30-3, Sat-Sun 8-2 Website

Tip Top Meats (Again)

September 8, 2017 Cathy German Restaurants and Food, Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog, originating in San Diego County, which is 4200 square miles large. Cathy is writing today's post because both Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) haven't much to write about.

It's been nine months since I last wrote about Tip Top Meats, even though The Mister and I have stopped here about once a month. Didn't want to bore you. ( Here are links to other posts: 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015).
This time, it's a lunch. The lunch plates come with a choice of soup or salad. The salads are pre-wrapped and generic, arriving with a packet of salad dressing…nothing special, but the soups are made daily and always interesting. Clam Chowder is a new choice here, primarily because of neighboring Top Choice Fish Market and Eatery, also under the same ownership. It's a nice chowder, not overly creamy, with diced bits of potato, fresh herbs and chopped clam pieces. The 'Lentil soup' did indeed have lentils as well as a beef filled gravy 'broth' and large potato pieces. Unique (and tasty). The Smoked Pork Chop plate ($10.98, with $1 off that day, a whiteboard special) came with a choice of cabbage on the side (got both white and red) (white kraut has bits of bacon in it and is sour; red kraut is sweet and has apple, no meat) as well as choice of potato (mashed, fried or (our choice)German potato salad) and a fresh roll. The potato salad is warm, has a vinegary component and is a good choice with these two large smoked pieces of pork. What a meal! There were leftovers(one whole pork chop), enjoyed with breakfast the next day. The Schnitzel plate, topped with an over easy egg ($10.98) is a wonderful meal. The pork cutlet (German style is made with pork, not veal) is stuffed with ham and cheese, breaded and fried. Topped with gravy and the egg, each bite can be a combination of textures and flavors. You can see that the mashed potatoes and gravy as well as the combination of krauts were the sides chosen for this. Meaty, savory, crispy, smooth, sweet, sour and savory. Always a good choice.

Tip Top Meats and European Delicatessen 6118 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92009 Website open daily 6 am-8 pm The largest licorice selection I've ever found that wasn't online!

Arely (Again)

September 3, 2017 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, French Restaurants, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this sweltering day. I hope you are staying cool! Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are busy today. Cathy is writing this post.

Beginning in 2007, I posted twice about Arely, then waited until 2014 for an update, with Kirk writing his observations in 2016 and I chimed back in most recently in June 2017. Well, here we are again…because A) We like it here, and 2. It's convenient with recent events bring us to this part of town. One morning, the Breakfast ClubSandwich ($10.50) was a choice. The fresh baked (here) whole wheat bread, in three slices, is filled with fried egg, ham, bacon, avocado and Romaine. It's a wonderful sandwich and is quite large. This Ham and Cheese Crepe ($8.20) is filled with ham, eggs and cheese. It's wonderful! "Monkey Breakfast"($7.49) {listed as a whiteboard special, behind the cash register} was priced slightly less than the 'regular' French toast (which is $7.75), so we ordered it, thinking it was just a banana sauce over regular french toasted bread- but it was the most delightful use of leftover banana bread turned into French Toast! I'm quite fond of various quick breads and to have slices dipped in egg then fried to a light crisp, with the center still being a (quite great version) of banana bread…wow! Unexpectedly wonderful. One visit here was on a Friday (when I don't eat meat) so the Brie Cheese Salad ($8.25) was my order. A quite large salad of various lettuces, fresh tomato and bell pepper, onions…a nicely tart strawberry balsamic and a split baguette, toasted and topped with melted slices of a quality Brie cheese…just a perfect accompaniment.
A visit here usually includes an appetizer; French onion soup ($3.50/cup, $4.80/bowl). It's just wonderful-the stock made with fresh herbs, the onions…the cheese…slices of French bread…
The pastry cases, seen when you walk in…leaned against while waiting to order… The almond croissant ($3). A reason to stay seated, relax and enjoy with a cup of coffee. Just delightful.

Arely French Bakery Cafe 4961-A Clairemont Drive 92117 (858)270-1910 Tues-Sat 7:00 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun-Mon 7:00 a.m.-7 p.m.

Los Palmitos (revisits)

August 31, 2017 Cathy Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog which we (Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy) thank you for stopping by to read some of our sometimes interesting and sometimes mundane posts about meals consumed. Cathy is writing about a typical San Diego Taco shop today.

According to the phone book, San Diego has over 200 'Taco Shops' within its 4200 square miles. I think everyone has a couple of favorite, conveniently located shops-one close to home and one close to work, maybe a handful of others where they stop in for a quick bite or to go meal. Los Palmitos is one of ours, despite only blogging about it twice; in 2008 and again in 2012.

The exterior was upgraded within the past year. New. Old.

It's not air conditioned, but being shaded keeps the eating area a bit cooler than just being under umbrellas.

When you have a 'for here' order, fresh fried corn chips and cups for the salsa bar are provided.
The salads here are refreshing; lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickled onions and cojita cheese, topped with (in this case) carne asada. ($7)A simple shrimp ceviche tostada ($5) is just perfect on some days; not too large, but definitely not small. My 'usual order here is the whole fried fish ($12.50)Which I enjoy completely. This is a grilled chicken salad ($7), similar to the carne asada one, above. You can see the cilantro-lime dressing on the chicken, which is so refreshing.
Sometimes, I crave fried items and the 'side order' (no rice or beans) of beef flautas ($5) satisfies. On chilly days, the fish soup ($10) is just perfect. Large pieces of fish, plenty of vegetables in a seafood/tomato broth. It really hits the spot.

Stay cool!

Los Palmitos Taco Shop 5145 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard (between Limerick and Longford) San Diego 92117

(858)974-1946 Open 8 a.m.-midnight, daily Website

Why, yes, the first photos are from meals prior to the addition being built. These above photos show the new plates being used as well as the new tabletops.

It's hot, I wanted to post about a favorite place and really, the food is the same…although the slices of orange on that above whole fish plate were painfully thin and dry…

Szechuan Chef (again)

August 30, 2017 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog, written by three friends. Today, Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are unable to write about any meals either has consumed recently and Cathy's got a meal recorded on her camera, ready to share.

It's been *hot* the past few days! When I woke (around 2 a.m.) it was 65 and by 2 p.m., it was 101. {I fall asleep around 7 p.m., if you are concerned}. It was a day to get chores done early and then do nothing when the heat hit. Cooking inside our (non-air conditioned) house was not considered.

So, back we went down Convoy Street. Szechuan Chef is part of our 'rotation', which Kirk first wrote about in 2013 then I wrote about in 2015, posting once more as one of our 'birthday meals' in 2016 and most recently, Kirk wrote about a meal in April.

We try to order one 'new to us' dish as well as one 'familiar' item when we go out and today was no exception. Fish filet with tofu in black bean sauce ($10.99){rice is $1} was very nice, quite a large portion, had some great flavors and textures. Crispy fish, fried tofu and a not too salty black bean sauce with onion. Mild-no heat. Of course, my go to here is the deep fried cumin (not turmeric) fish ($10.99). Red pepper, onion, Chinese celery, garlic, ginger and chile peppers. We are never asked about what spice level we would like and it always is just enough.

Stay cool!

Szechuan Chef 4344 Convoy Street #F San Diego 92111 (858) 279-8881

2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road testing. Small snack at Cream Pan-Tustin. Breakfast at BMC Pho-Hacienda Heights.

August 28, 2017 Cathy Bakery, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, this food blog, usually has a story about how a meal or meals occurred. Today, Cathy is writing. Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are busy with meetings and appointments and 'check off the list' stuff.

Saturday morning, leaving the driveway at 5 a.m., heading North. After about an hour, getting to the parking lot and stepping inside Cream Pan,

for the first time this year. It's mostly the same,

other than the slight (10¢) price increase for the strawberry croissant… …and the new, secondary check out area. Cream Pan 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 Website
We purchased a ham and cheese croissant ($2.60) and a cheese crisp ($2.50) and jumped back on the freeway, heading to Irwindale and the new location of Phoenix Decorating Company, arriving before 7 a.m.. We passed the new Construction/Decorating 'barn' and saw some of the floats which were tested last month.

We noticed only three floats were lined up for testing this morning. "Story Time", the entry from the City of Alhambra features a bookworm reading the book 'Tales from the Alhambra', ladybugs flying, zinnias, leaves and lily of the valley.

The openings in the above photo are where the 'observer' and the 'driver' will be seated when the float is driving down Colorado Boulevard on January 1.

The colors are painted on the floats as a marking for the decorators and also in case of weather (in the event of rain or wind, the float might lose some of its natural decorations and people on the parade route will still see color).

The road test is for both mechanics and maneuverability of the float. Each float has at least three tests, the final test that everyone can get off of and out of the float in 45 seconds or less.
The Lions Club International entry to the parade, "Preserving Our Environment" will have a water feature- flowing around the rotating water wheel. The colors have not been marked yet.The third float tested on Saturday was this one from Trader Joe's- interesting in that there is a long hitch on both the front and the rear, which makes this a part of a multi-piece float.

Now you've seen floats in three stages of testing!

Phoenix Decorating Company 5400 Irwindale Avenue Irwindale, CA 91706 Website

Since this float builder location and part of Los Angeles County is 'new' to us, The Mister and I began to drive South and explore, looking for breakfast places as well as possible places to eat after we decorate floats in December.
Noticing this at the corner of Gale Avenue and Hacienda Boulevard,we stopped.

So much is offered here, but the banh mi menu (to the far right, just behind the cash register) caught my eye. I'm always on the lookout for a good banh mi (nothing in San Diego satisfies me any more since the fire of August 4, 2015, destroying the now almost reopened K Sandwiches). We were very pleasantly surprised. BMC has a 'buy two, get one' deal, so all three sandwiches cost a total of $7.50. We chose the #2, #4 and #6-BBQ pork, shredded chicken and egg. Each was prepared on wonderful, fresh, crispy crusted light bread, a spread of mayonnaise and topped with pickled daikon, carrots, cilantro and fresh slices of jalapeño. We were impressed with the char grilled flavor of the (plentiful amount of) pork and flavorful shredded chicken…oh but the egg… Crispy whites, solid yolks and just a perfect breakfast sandwich.

We will be returning here at some point to try out other menu items.

BMC Pho 1104 S. Hacienda Boulevard Hacienda Heights, CA 91745 (626)330-3765 Open daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Bolsa (revisit)

August 26, 2017 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. This is a quick Saturday post, since Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy are each out and about (in their own way) and still, there is some sort of food item that should be shared. This is Cathy posting.

Cha Ca Thang Long, turmeric coated, pan fried fish. This is one of my favorite meals, so much so, that I chose it as one of my birthday meals during 'birthday week' last year (the Mister and I were born seven days apart and our tradition is to go out to eat on each of those eight days).

We were on Mira Mesa Boulevard, avoiding traffic, and decided to stop at Bolsa before the final few miles home.

On this day, my dill and onion topped freshly pan fried turmeric coated fish plate ($15) was accompanied by the 'traditional' sides- lettuce, mint, chilled rice noodles, peanuts and a few pieces of Bang Trang Me (sesame rice crackers). Again, everything was perfect. The individual as well as combined flavors of this dish are cravable. The Mister wanted a salad of some type on this (another) hot day, and the shrimp, pork and jellyfish salad ($8) matched his cravings. The jellyfish is marinated in a vinegar/fish sauce and the resulting salad is sweet, spicy and sour at each bite. The lettuce, cucumber, mint and peanuts round out the vivid flavor combinations.

I hope your weekend is relaxing and not too hot!

Bolsa 9225 Mira Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92126 (858) 693-3663 open 9-9 daily Website

P.L.Bagels (and some Point Loma exploring)(A stop at the new Jensen’s Foods)

August 24, 2017 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Exploring San Diego, Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Writing of posts is shared by three friends. Today, Cathy is writing because Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are busy tying up loose ends.

Yes, I've written about P.L. Bagel a few times, 2012, 2013 and most recently in 2014. It's a regular stop, because it's good..and on the way to a place where The Mister and I can take a peaceful walk.
Prices for a 'Breakfast Special' with a coffee have gone up by 25¢ since 2014, which is minuscule for this family owned and run business. A plain bagel (as well as a bialy) is still 95¢. The mini bagels are now 50¢ Here's a size comparison. That's a Bialy on the left, only available on weekends. I enjoy the baked chewy dough, which has a bit of chopped onion in the center top. This was a nice breakfast, with eggs and cheese. The salt bagel (as are all the bagels here) is covered on both sides with toppings. Not many bagel shops make salt bagels anymore. The bagels here are a 'proper' size- not crazy large nor crazy fluffy.

We've enjoyed visiting this local longstanding business (which makes a great product!).

P.L. Bagel 3704 Voltaire Street, Suite 107 San Diego 92107 (619) 223-4788 open daily 6a.m.-1 p.m.

Our regular walks take us to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, where we enjoy the overcast mornings and peaceful quietness. Earlier this year, the only market on Catalina Boulevard (the main road on The Point) re-opened as a new location for Jensen's Foods (it had been a Fresh and Easy before that chain left the U.S.). Jensen's slogan is "Make Every Day an Occasion". If you have been paying attention, it is Hatch Chile season and Jensen's is one of the many participating roasters (the prices for Hatch Chiles here are less than other locations).
There are many interesting items at Jensen's, including a by the pound salad bar and (at least on weekends) a breakfast bar. It's quite a nice store. This is the only San Diego location and we are taking advantage of the offerings. (It's been in business since 1940!).

Another nice weekend 'staycation'. Thanks for reading!

Jensen's Foods 955 Catalina Boulevard San Diego 92106 (619)550-2097 Open daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Website

Boston Market (Revisits to a place never posted)

August 22, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Chains, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy share in writing and posting about meals enjoyed. Today, Kirk is working some overtime and Ed(from Yuma) is busy with things, so Cathy is writing this post.

The Mister and I do not 'regift'. If someone has gone to the trouble of purchasing a gift and a card, addressing, finding a stamp and mailing something to me, I am happy to accept and then use whatever it is. Then my thanks are sincere. So, that's how this post began; a gift card in the mail. Boston Market, since 1985. An American chain with over 450 locations which has the mission "create awesome rotisserie meals, served quickly, by warm and friendly people". How had I forgotten- it's been at least ten years since we had been here. That's the whole menu, which changes with some seasonal offerings. The primary choices here involve rotisserie chicken, turkey and meatloaf… and sides! A plethora of choices: mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, sweet corn, rotisserie potatoes, sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach, fresh steamed vegetables, green beans, southwest rice, caesar side salad, vegetable stuffing, squash casserole and cinnamon apples.

A three piece (dark meat) rotisserie chicken plate ($8.29) with a choice of two sides- creamed spinach and mac and cheese on this one. So nice, decadent, flavorful. The "Market Pair"-soup and half sandwich plate ($7.49) a choice of soups (chicken noodle) and a turkey half sandwich (there are other choices of each item). Again, this was very nice and so very good. Homestyle, not heavy; pleasant, familiar food. A salad with rotisserie chicken ($8.29). Fresh and tasty with a lot of juicy, still warm chicken. Quite a large portion. The meatloaf plate ($8.29) Two thick slices of a very good meatloaf, along with the creamed spinach and rotisserie potatoes (which are nicely crispy yet with a fluffy interior).

The in store meals are brought out to you on real plates, with real (not plastic) utensils after you order and pay. So old fashioned and home style.

The reason I received the gift card? A home bound friend asked me to pick up and order for her earlier this year, during Lent, when I don't eat meat on Friday.

I had noticed this signage and bought myself the seasonal item (which came on a very nice, reusable to-go plate). The baked cod was excellent!

I'm sad that I had forgotten and had stopped dropping by Boston Market, it's a great alternative.

Boston Market, multiple locations, nationwide. Website