What Cathy Eats! – Page 39

Arely French Bakery Cafe

June 3, 2017 Cathy French Restaurants, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Here we all are, at the food blog mmm-yoso!!!, checking out what someone has had to eat. Kirk is on his way home from vacation and Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying the 'springtime weather' (in Yuma), so Cathy is writing a short post.

This year has not been 'normal' and it's half over! There have been never-ending appointments and meetings taking me (and The Mister) all over town and when it is time for a meal, usually something quick, convenient and 'healthy' has been consumed. On the rare occasions when there is time to actually coordinate a meal together, we are exhausted and 'splurge' may mean ordering a beverage or a shared dessert.

It so happened we were in the Clairmont area of town and instead of looking for someplace new, we stopped at Arely, which has been posted here before, most recently by Kirk. Stepping inside, the menu board is easily noticed.
Breakfast is served from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. The lunch menu (sandwiches, salads and panini) is served all day and the dinner portion of the menu (pasta, chicken, seafood and soups) are served from 11 a.m.-closing Of course at eye level are the pastry cases, just as tempting as can be. But we were here in time for lunch. The Caprese salad ($8.50); made with buffalo mozzarella, fresh, tasty tomatoes, basil and topped with a slightly sweet balsamic vinaigrette was a nice item to share. As was the cup of wonderfully cheesy French Onion Soup ($3.50) which is properly made, with sherry. The Croque Madame ($8.95) was exceptionally good and quite large. Topped with two eggs (over easy by request), the grilled Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese on thick slices of house made brioche bread, lightly toasted, was just perfect for sharing.

Of course, I just decided that a dessert was going to be purchased and consumed here. A blueberry Danish ($2.40) was the choice, after much consideration. There is a thin layer of cream cheese underneath those small, flavor filled wild berries and a bite of all of that combined with the flaky crust was just so perfect.

I hope each of you has a chance to have a quality lunch.

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.

2017 San Diego County Fair- “Where the West is Fun”- Part One, Before it opens

June 2, 2017 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!is primarily a food blog. Today's post is about anticipated food consumption and a summer tradition, the San Diego County Fair. As usual, Cathy is writing about this event; Kirk isn't around and Ed (from Yuma) is in Yuma.

Link to Part Two

Later today (4 p.m.) the official opening of the San Diego County Fair will occur. Tomorrow morning (at 7:30), in Downtown San Diego, there will be a Cattle Drive to promote the Fair theme of "Where the West is Fun". I've been at the Fairgrounds watching the preparations for this, the 6th largest County Fair in the United States. Here are a few photos and links of what to expect this year.

The front gate is set up. The statue of Don Diego, Fair Ambassador, is appropriately dressed. The historic clock tower has been moved to the front entrance area after repairs.
The Midway was repaved a couple of weeks ago in anticipation of the Fair, the race season and Autumn Breeders Cup and is now set up, with the far West end ferris wheel is in sight when you walk in.
Chicken Charlie's corner, at the first right off the Midway, was set up in its usual location, before some other food booths got here (and Chicken Charlie's has an additional location on the Midway this year).
The first left off the Midway is also set up. The entrance to Bing Crosby Hall (filled with the latest gadgets, goodies and items you never knew you needed) is at the end of this food filled corridor.
The Plaza de Mexico is set up, awaiting so many daily events. That buildings next to and behind the Plaza house the Fair entries and events. Go up to the second floor,
and you are greeted to Home and Hobby, what I consider to be the 'heart' of the Fair.
The Preserved Foods have been judged and are on display.
As have all the craft entries Two days ago, baked goods were brought in to be judged. Ribbons and prizes have been awarded.

There is so much to see and do at the Fair. This is a link to some of the new events.

It doesn't have to be expensive. This is a local news link to deals and discounts. (You can buy the multi day entrance pass ($26) until July 3, because paying for it is less expensive than paying admission two times.

But, I know you are wondering about the foods here. I noticed a few items which are not listed in this newspaper article and will be reporting on my finds in Part 2; I know that bacon wrapped cactus and sarsaparilla anything will be on my radar as well as deep fried octopus. I had also heard that the cauliflower sandwich (third photo from bottom in this linked post )was back and if it is, there will be a purchase.In any case, enjoy the start of summer and the 2017 San Diego County Fair!. It's going to be a good one.

2017 San Diego County Fair website June 2-July 4 (closed all Mondays except July 3 and the first three Tuesdays)

Deals and Discounts (Fair website version)

Deals and Discounts (Local news version)

What's new at the Fair?

New foods at the 2017 San Diego County Fair

Eating in the store before shopping in the store: Zion, Carnival, Bristol Farms and Whole Foods

May 31, 2017 Cathy Markets & Grocers, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food. Kirk is still on vacation and Ed (from Yuma) is still retired. Cathy is still blogging about a few meals.

I've written quite a few posts about eating in a grocery store before going shopping. It gives The Mister and I a chance to (perhaps) not go crazy when shopping and stick more to our list, while providing a chance to take a break before our usually hectic days. This is a post about meals consumed in various stores before the shopping trip begins.

In 2015, I wrote about eating at Zion Market, the former space occupied by a K-Mart/Sears which has half of the store dedicated to groceries and the other half to a food court. There is a piano in mid court, sometimes automatically being 'played' by a stuffed bear and sometimes there are musicians and singers entertaining the lunchtime crowd.
I've been known to go into the store and grab a mixed sashimi salad ($7) and california roll ($4) along with a can of tea (conveniently placed near the cash registers)($1.10).
There's also a hot foods section and a pickled/preserved food section along the back wall inside the grocery part of the store. 'Krab' pancake ($5.99/lb), fried mixed vegetable ($3.49/package of three) and seasoned pickled cucumber ($8.99/lb) was another meal with leftovers.
The generically named "Korean Food" storefront has a good choice of meals for around $9. There is enough to be shared (or taken home as leftovers). This is the fried pork meal and it comes with everything you see plus a complimentary cup of hot tea. The spicy sauce at the bottom of the photo is quite addictive.

Zion Market 7655 Clairemont Mesa Blvd San Diego, California 92111 open 7 days 9 to 9 website

I've written about many Mexican Markets before and do shop at Carnival Supermarket when I'm in the neighborhood. The steam trays always offer something interesting.

There was a fried fish filet special ($5.99) when I was shopping on a Friday and so I decided to try it (instead of the whole fish that I usually opt for). This was excellent and, again, more than enough food. I also decided to take home the empanadas ($1.50 each) beef picadillo and chicken for The Mister's dinner and he said the crust was excellent and the fillings plentiful and had just enough vegetable mixed in. These have since become a regular 'snack' whenever I'm near the store.

Carnival Supermarket 3560 Ashford Street San Diego 92111 (858) 277-1505 Open 7 am-10 pm, seven days

There is always a reason to be in the La Jolla area of town and since I signed up for the Bristol Farms newsletter, the weekly specials are attractive. The wonderful Cafe at the store entrance is not busy on weekday mornings and we've stopped here many times.

The 'Sweet and Savory' plate ($7.99, tabletop ad) is quite hearty and tasty. The breakfast sausages have a nice 'snap' and excellent flavor. Sold in the meat counter, the sausages are a good way to 'sample' before purchase. The eggs are always perfectly over easy and the pancakes are just wonderful; sweet without needing syrup.

The 'Sunrise Sandwich' ($8.99, includes a side of potato or fruit) on sourdough toast, light and fluffy eggs scrambled with sautéed mushrooms, topped with pickled onion, thick, smoky bacon (also sold in the meat counter) and cheese combine for a very filling breakfast sandwich.

Bristol Farms 8510 Genessee Avenue San Diego 92122 (858) 558-4180 Website

Also when in the La Jolla/UTC area of town, (just down the street from Bristol Farms), is Whole Foods, where many 'by the pound' breakfasts have been consumed.

The breakfast pizza is also available ($3.50 for one slice, $6 for two slices) and this is also a temptation. The cheese slice is wonderful as a lunch, especially if you get your own toppings from the salad bar ($8.99/lb) The turkey breakfast sausages are excellent and there are fried chicken pieces next to quartered waffles if you want to make yourself a special breakfast. I just like the mushroom gravy.
Whole Foods 8825 Villa La Jolla Drive La Jolla 92037 (858)642-6700 open daily 7a.m.-10p.m. website

Almost every grocery store has an in store restaurant. Such a nice reason to go shopping. I hope everyone is having a good week!

Carnitas Uruapan (revisits)

May 30, 2017 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for dropping by to read about food on mmm-yoso!!! Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are both otherwise engaged and Cathy is also busy, but is able to write today.

Kirk has mentioned how he had been working 12 hour days, yet He did find time to eat and write about it. The Mister and I haven't had the time to go out and eat at a variety of places, but always take photos of meals. I posted about Carnitas Uruapan in 2006, when I first started helping Kirk on this blog (and I posted again in 2012) it's a regular spot for us. The location is in a corner of a small lot, small inside and there is an ordering window. Walk inside and the menu plus some specials are listed. The carnitas 'Dinner for one' ($6.25) is probably the most popular item here. 1/2 pound of freshly prepared pork, served with tortillas, rice, beans, onion, tomato and cilantro is more than enough food; easily shared. That bowl of crispy looking fried meat at the 2 o'clock position is 1/2 pound of pork chicharron ($4).
When you order inside to eat, a bowl of fresh made chips and salsa are brought to your table. The salsa is pepper (not tomato) based and has just the slightest amount of heat and a wonderful flavor. Enchiladas Suizas ($8.99). My favorite version is from Ponce's, but the version at Carnitas Uruapan is a close second. The unique tomatillo/garlic based sauce mixed with cheese ('Suiza' means 'Swiss') satisfies cravings.Divorciados ($8.99). A plate symbolizing divorce, differences and also a choice when I can't decide (mentioned at the bottom of this post). Red sauce over shredded pork, green sauce over chicharrones along with beans and rice. This pretty much satisfies all of my cravings.

Here is another meal of the 1/2 pound carnitas, along with 1/2 pound of chicharrones. Sorry for the repetition, it is my favorite meal here.

I hope your week is going well!

Carnitas Uruapan 4233 Spring Street La Mesa, Ca 91941 (619) 337-2448 Sun-Thurs 9a.m.-9p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Point Loma Seafoods, again

May 27, 2017 Cathy Sandwiches, Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

Kirk is taking a short vacation, Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying this three day weekend (in Yuma) and Cathy is writing a few short posts, just to keep you interested in this food blog, mmm-yoso!!!

I've written a few times about Point Loma Seafoods, most recently as part of a birthday lunch, last year. Other posts were written in 2007, again in 2010, 2011, 2012, and in 2014. It was a bit before the lunchtime crowd would be showing up at this dockside fish market restaurant, overcast and chilly. The fish cases were filled, sushi and sashimi grab and go plates were being made. The smoked fish counter had a special on yellowfin and I asked for a piece that weighed 'about a half pound' while The Mister was placing a food order at the front counter. The fish was moist, smoky and delicious. Soon a bowl of clam chowder ($4.91)was ready and I thought that was the perfect amount of food for the two of us to share for a mid-morning snack. But, The Mister had seen the Daily Specials board when we walked in. Soft Shell crab is in season. He had ordered one sandwich for us to share ($12.04)
Two fresh, soft shelled crabs on a sourdough roll with the house made cole slaw (it has bell peppers mixed in with the cabbage and carrots and a light, creamy sauce). A perfect pre-lunch meal enjoyed while looking out onto the docks.

Point Loma Seafoods 2805 Emerson Street San Diego 92106 (619) 223-1109 Open Mon-Sat 9 a.m-7 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (hot foods served after 10:30 daily) website

Cali Baguette Express (Mira Mesa)

May 25, 2017 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! will be written by Cathy this Memorial Day weekend; Kirk is very busy and Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying Yuma and this long weekend with Tina.

A few months ago, I was in the Mira Mesa area, craving a banh mi and some strong coffee and missing K-Sandwiches which burned almost to the ground on August 4, 2015. Remembering one of Kirk's many sandwich posts favorably mentioning Cali Baguette Express, I stopped at the small storefront which Cali Baguette Express had occupied for about seven years,

only to see it had moved a few doors down, to the larger space formerly occupied by several failing restaurants.
The order/pay area is straight ahead when you walk in, but there are so many shelves and displays showing choices which aren't displayed on the menu.
The fresh spring rolls with shrimp ($3.99) were made to order, had more lettuce (rather than rice noodles) as filler and were nice. The fried rolls and pate chaud were on display in the hot area and tasted fresh, although the meat fillings seemed to be a bit sparse.
The bean curd wrapped shrimp plate ($7.75) was quite large, fresh made, but the overall flavors weren't there for me.

On one of my friday visits, I ordered a tuna banh mi ($4.75) and it was great. The fresh bread, tuna salad and banana peppers just blended together perfectly. A more 'traditional' banh mi-grilled pork ($3.75) on another visit was just as perfect with its freshness and blend of flavors of the pork along with the pickled vegetables and fresh cucumber ssticks topped with (stringy) cilantro and sliced fresh jalapeño.
The display case to the far left as you walk in holds dessert items (these are 'donuts', four for $1 but there had been some thin waffles flavored with young coconut in the case when we arrived.

In any case, these delightful, light, crispy edged hollow sesame topped things were quite tasty and a perfect little dessert. The iced black coffee ($2.50) is very strong and you can ask for it to be made without sugar…making it even stronger.

I'll be returning to try other menu items as well as some of the pre-made items on display.

Cali Baguette Express 9225 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite 106 San Diego 92126 (858) 695-8888 Open Mon-Sat 8 am-8:30 pm Sun 8 am-8 pm Website

International Deli and Cafe-first look

May 12, 2017 Cathy European Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! a food blog. Kirk has some interesting things going on at work right now; long hours, not enough time to write any posts. Similarly, Ed (from Yuma) has things going on (in Yuma) and also is using his free time wisely and not posting. Cathy is writing today, using this time as a break from the norm.

In April, I was meeting a client in the dark hours of early morning at Rose Donuts and noticed that Ryan's Cafe had closed, replaced by 'International Cafe and Deli'. A mental note was made and eventually there was time to return for a visit.

Stepping inside, I was greeted with a hearty 'Good Afternoon! Have you ever had Hungarian or Romanian food?" There was some small talk; this location of International Deli is a branch of a longtime (since 2007) Garden Grove Romanian-Hungarian Cafe/Deli. People were driving there from San Diego, asking the owners to please move closer.

I asked about the menu behind the counter and an offer of a sample of mititei (skinless pork/beef sausage) to be cooked for me was made. I began to peruse the small deli and grocery while waiting.   The deli area was intriguing.
As were the various shelf stable choices. There are several seating arrangements in the center of the cafe.   The cooked piece of mititei, two cabanos sausages (dry texture, yet not tough; black pepper is in this smoked pork sausage) and three slices of head cheese(mild, not spicy)(excellent, with tongue and many other meat parts).   The mititei was juicy, plump and mild flavored; pleasant. I will be ordering a sandwich next time.    I also ordered eight slices of homemade smoked bacon ($6.99/lb) It cooked up almost too quickly since there wasn't much fat. Very meaty and well flavored. Smoked meat here is done properly. Langos, a Hungarian flatbread, is offered in both sweet and savory versions. This is the savory version ($6.25), topped with 'everything'- sour cream, garlic, Feta cheese and dill. A fresh made, tasty snack. It can be ordered topped with any deli meat for an additional $1.99- that will make it a meal.
   On the menu board is "Kurtos"– Chimney cake. The available cakes are to the left of the cash register. I had heard of this delicate dessert, but never saw it up close. I had to purchase the walnut version ($6.99)(there are also plain, coconut and almond versions).

The raised dough is wrapped around a metal tube sort of device, rolled in granulated sugar then baked while being basted with butter. So, yes' crisp, yet delicate with a combination of butter/sugar and walnuts; a perfect accompaniment to coffee.

I'll be going back; there's a nice breakfast menu in addition to the sandwiches and flatbread…and deli meats…and desserts.

International Deli and Cafe 5201 Linda Vista Road San Diego 92110 (619) 294-5755 Open Mon-Fri 7-7, Sat-Sun 8-5 website

Dunkin’ Donuts- sandwiches and donuts

May 11, 2017 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, Desserts, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Today, Cathy is writing; Kirk is busy (again) at work and Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying a beautiful spring day (in Yuma).

Its been a busy year so far. Since I tend to not plan ahead much, finding meals is an adventure and quite interesting. When leaving a quick breakfast stop at Winchell's in National City last month, I passed Dunkin' Donuts, two blocks West. Dunkin' began in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts and I remember a few locations in the Detroit area when growing up. Nothing stood out in those memories, though.

A mental note was made, research occurred, this location (2139 East Plaza Blvd, National City 91950) is open 24 hours and I had no excuse to not drop in.

Once I noticed one of the many door signs, indicating that "Dunkin' Donuts of San Diego are proudly owned and operated by local disabled military veterans", I felt good that the 'chain' concept was still local. As an aside, the location in Ramona (1410 Main Street, Ramona 92065, phone (760)789-0210, open daily 5 a.m.-10p.m.) is a combined Dunkin'/Baskin Robbins store. Anytime you stop in, a craving can be fulfilled.

So, there's a nice menu board with the third section a good choice of various sandwiches- the breads are Texas toast, croissant, flatbread and ciabatta.
The donut selection comes into full view once you get to the front of the line to order. There's quite a bit of seating in both of the locations I've been to.

The coffee here is very good. I've seen the ads, heard the raves, read about cravings for their coffee, but now know this for myself. For this visit, two basics. The "Big n' Toasted" ($4.29) Two eggs, bacon and cheese on Texas Toast. Wow. Unexpectedly overfilled with bacon, very good. Only ordering a simple grilled cheese ($1.99) and seeing there were two types of cheese on it (Swiss and a mild Cheddar), I 'borrowed' one of the eggs and made that grilled cheese sandwich special. It was really tasty. A side of hash browns (99¢) was a great choice (there were six in the bag; very flavorful with parsley mixed in the potato).
The ham, egg and cheese english muffin ($4.09) was another unexpectedly great choice. The ham, as you can see, is a better quality with thick slices and the sandwich was quite filling. Then there was this. It's right in the center of that third menu board. The 'Pretzel Croissant Breakfast Sandwich' ($3.79). The first two times I was here, the pretzel croissants were sold out. My lucky day, my wonderful breakfast. Crispy exterior; pretzel- topped with large grains of salt- fluffy flaky interior of an excellent croissant, filled with bacon, egg and Swiss. Oh wow, now I have another craving.

The donut choices, overwhelming and although fresh, not overly interesting. Chocolate Butternut and a French Cruller; both pretty basic. Good cake donut topped with 'butternut morsels'-not peanuts- and fresh cruller with egginess of the pastry. Small, just enough to go with coffee. There was a whiteboard of specials inside the Ramona location and a 'peanut butter delight croissant donut' ($2.49) sounded good and tasted better. The peanut butter was mixed with the regular Bavarian Cream filling (so not too sweet) and injected into the 'croissant donut'…which is a delightful conveyor of a crispy, light dessert.

So glad I rediscovered this childhood favorite.

Dunkin' Donuts, multiple locations nationwide Website

Top Choice Fish Market and Eatery (Carlsbad)

April 26, 2017 Cathy Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; she has time and Kirk as well as Ed(from Yuma) are just too busy.

There are many posts on this blog about the Carlsbad Grocer and Restaurant, Tip Top Meats. It's a great German owned and European style meat store, grocery store with a small restaurant inside. When The Mister and I drove up last November, we saw that a new Fish store was being constructed inside the adjoining former produce market. We finally had time for the drive North the other day. Turns out Top Choice opened less than a month ago.
Stepping inside, there is a refrigerated display case with prepared items and above that, menu boards, the same as at Tip Top, but the prices aren't listed on it, yet. We were given a paper take out menu, which was helpful. We ordered, paid and found a seat (there are some larger communal like picnic tables out front and inside, but not as much seating as the meat store.

While waiting, I walked over to the fish market side. It's small, the prices are fair (not inexpensive) and everything was very fresh. I enjoyed that the menu has a similar to the meat store 'Special Steak Dinner', mentioned at the bottom of this post-The 'Showcase Fish Platter' feature of picking out any fish from the case and you pay the price of the fish, add $5 for two sides. The fish will be sautéed or broiled as you request.

Since this was a first visit and the menu was so interesting, we decided to try simple basics. The Bouillabaisse (cup $2.98, bowl $5.98, bread bowl$8.98)was a wonderful choice. The garlicky broth was filled with a large piece of grilled solid fish (a various 'fish of the day'), two large shrimp, five clams and three mussels. Next time we might just order two bowls of this, although I am curious about the New England clam chowder and house made special fish stew soup. The Fish and Chips (substitute cole slaw for the chips) ($9.49) came with five large pieces of lightly battered and fried Alaskan cod. The batter and its frying was proper: crisp, thin, to a light brown. The fish was flaky and light flavored. A quite large side of house made tartar sauce came with the plate and was very good. The slaw seemed to have small bits of pineapple but also some pungency, almost like horseradish or maybe a special mustard. In any case, it was very good.

All in all a great meal. We will be back.

Top Choice Fish Market and Eatery 6118 Paseo Del Norte, Suite B Carlsbad 92011 (760)517-8680 Open 7 days. Fish Market 8-8, Eatery 11 a.m.-8 p.m. website

Los Pollos Cuban Bakery – The House of Cuban Flavor (Chula Vista)

April 25, 2017 Cathy Bakery, Cuban Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for returning to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is very busy at work this week, Ed (from Yuma) is busy learning the ins and outs of his new computer and that means Cathy is writing today's post…she isn't as busy as she had been.

I've been in Chula Vista a lot this year, always noticing this small storefront in a far corner of a mall anchored by a CVS and Grocery Outlet.Finally having time to drive South without needing to rush, The Mister and I stopped here for a light lunch.
Small, with only two tables inside and four tables out in front, the limited menu looked interesting. There are two display counters. The one on the left has heated items (typical Cuban bakery items) while the one on the right is refrigerated. The refrigerated items were what I would call 'eclectic international desserts'- European fruit topped custard pie, coconut macaroons, French macaron, Italian cannoli, custard, rice pudding and flan..
Even though the first items of the menu listings indicate a relationship to the name of 'Los Pollos' as the specialty here, the rotisserie chicken wasn't ready and so we ordered a couple of items from the warm display, a chicken empanada ($1.79) and a meat pastry ($1.65). The chicken empanada was baked (not fried). The wonderful simple flavors of rotisserie chicken mixed with garlic and tomato wrapped in the fresh pastry was delicious. About the size of my palm, the whole empanada had quite enough filling; its ratio with the amount of pastry was just right.

The filling for the meat pastry was a very nice picadillo -ground beef mixed with vegetables. The delightful, crispy puff pastry was perfect. This serving was quite large and very good.
We ordered a Cuban sandwich ($6.50) and were surprised to see it was served with plantain chips as a side. Those fried snacks, unsalted, are just a perfect compliment to the pressed sandwich, filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese as well as a salty pickle and mustard. Of course, the bread was wonderful.
Since we had ordered a small cup of Americano coffee to share, well, there was this cheese pastry ($1) in the warm counter that I really wanted to try. It, too, was wonderful. Just a bit of a sort of cream cheese/ricotta like cheese mix, surrounded by a sugared puff pastry.