Louisiana Fried Chicken and Waffles (Logan Heights)

mmm-yoso!!! the food blog with a rotating subject matter (as in style of food) as well as rotating bloggers.  Kirk is, again, busy today. Ed (from Yuma) is, reiteratively, busy (in Yuma).  Cathy is, once more, writing a post. 

It was one of those days when I was driving and The Mister was randomly saying 'left', 'right', 'take this exit' or straight' and somehow we ended up here.IMG_5116The end building of the new mall anchored by a drive thru Starbucks on National Avenue between 28th and 29th street, just East of the 5 freeway.

I had been craving the whole 'Chicken and Waffle' experience, since our visit to Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles in 2013, wondering about other iterations. So, we stopped.IMG_5102The fairly simple menu made our decision of what to share on this first visit pretty easy.IMG_5110We were here around 9:15 in the morning, at opening and everything was fresh. We had to wait for the waffle to be made while we watched a batch of chicken being placed in the steam trays and a pot of gumbo being brought out from the back.IMG_5111The freshly made waffle had a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.  It was not as sweet as a breakfast waffle (and it shouldn't be; maple syrup is a condiment here).IMG_5105The spicy crust on the fried chicken was perfect: crisp, not greasy, just enough spice all while leaving the dark meat tender and juicy.  The thigh and waffle plate ($7) is a perfect size for a meal. {Side note: they make their own Louisiana Hot Sauce here; grab one or two to have with your meal: it is great}IMG_5398IMG_5395Our return visit had us curious about the "Fantastic Fish Sandwich" (combo,$7.25, includes fries and a drink). There was a choice of catfish, snapper or tilapia as the fish. Catfish it was! Wonderful cornmeal breading, seasoned and fried, topped with a house made remoulade and some raw onions, on a very nice, fresh French roll (crispy crusted exterior). IMG_5401IMG_5402This time, we ordered a small side of collard greens ($1.50).  These were so good.  The recipe/flavors of vinegar and smoked ham complimented the greens, which stood out in flavor.  I watched as the Young Lady working here carefully drained the greens and packed them into the small container, which amazingly holds a lot.IMG_5104Returning to the third photo…on our first visit, we ordered a quart of Gumbo ($8.99).  This was the best Gumbo I think I've ever had (we lived in the South for five years).

There was rice in the bottom of the container, topped with this wonderful Creole stew that had the flavors of the mirepoix of celery, green pepper and onion combined with not an overpowering of filé/sassafras powder which melded with the chicken and sausage in such a delightful, hearty way.  This Gumbo was a meal in itself, and would be perfect on a rainy day.IMG_5113That first visit, so early in the morning and uncrowded, had the gentlemen behind the counter offering us a sample of the fresh made peach cobbler.  We were so full, and took it home for a snack later that day.  The crust was still crispy (a good sign) and the peach filling was not too sweet at all.  

This is a great place and I'm so glad we have it here in San Diego.  Looking back, I see that Mary visited here early last December.  She liked the fish here, too.

Louisiana Fried Chicken and Waffles 2850 National Avenue San Diego 92113 Website (there is music on the site) (619) 233-0670 Mon-Th 9-9, Fri-Sat 9-10 Sun 10-7 

Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria (El Cajon)

Here you are, at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is extremely busy with necessary errands.  Ed (from Yuma) is busy making plans.  Cathy is blogging today, because she is, comparatively, not busy.

Election Day in November had me assigned by the Registrar of Voters to El Cajon, where I drove in circles, putting out fires and waiting for phone calls telling me of impending fires all day.  Some of the areas I passed had interesting places to eat.  IMG_3788_2Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria caught my eye.  It shares the parking lot (around the corner) with the generically named 'Tortilla Salsa Market'.  There are quite a few other businesses here also. (The signage you see from the street is 3rd photo from the end).IMG_3770_2The rather extensive menu offers the usual items.  The quality is notable.  IMG_3779_2The shrimp tostada ($4.19) was made with large shrimp, in a fresh salsa and served with a side of avocado. This was excellent.IMG_3780_2The al pastor burrito ($4.50) was freshly made, pretty average, quite large. I'd order it again; it's more interesting than a carne aside burrito.IMG_3785_2Ordering to eat in, a basket of thin corn chips is served, along with the house made salsas in squeeze bottles. 

Above, a freshly squeezed "Popeye", medium size ($4.50) juice.  Made with spinach, carrot, celery, cucumber and apple, it was just right. I like that it is just juice, no ice.

IMG_6171_2Carne asada tostada ($3.99) was quite large and very good.  IMG_6172Tamarind raspado ($3.25)(16 oz) is nicely made here, from the whirring of the shaved ice machine in the back to the tamping of fresh tamarind pieces, each item I've ordered here has been carefully hand made and served with care.  The ladies working here are very nice.IMG_4092_2Almost every visit, I've ordered a small fruit salad ($6.65) with everything (cottage cheese, raisins, granola, coconut and honey)…and have needed to take hime leftovers.IMG_4094Tortas here are made with a great bread which is brought up from Mexico.  Above, the Lomo ($6.50) is my usual choice.  Lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese avocado and a thin layer of beans surround the beef (and sometimes, pork) tenderloin, which is cured then chopped and heated for this sandwich.IMG_6175This is the signage you'll see from the street.  Notice the bottom two lines: 'Sideways Bar'.  Now, you may have noticed I've been doing quite a few posts under the "Pubs and Pub Grub" section of the blog.  It seems that Sideways doesn't serve food, but the bar patrons walk to Lupita, order and pay.  Then, one the order is ready, one of the ladies walks to deliver the food to the bar.  

Consistently, one item seems to always be ordered.  The double cheeseburger. So, you know, I had to…IMG_6161IMG_6165Behold, the double cheeseburger ($4.50).  As you can see, two large patties, lettuce tomato and two different cheeses on a toasted bun.  This was filling and quite good. I understand why it's an order for the bar patrons.  

Another fruiteria which is locally owned and serves quality food.

Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria 1088 Estes (at Chase, one block East of Emerald) El Cajon 92021 (619)593-9500

Sagmani’s Restaurant (El Cajon)(revisit)

Here you are, mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is busy today,  Ed(from Yuma) is resting today and Cathy is posting about another meal.

It seems that either Kirk or I have stopped at Sagmani's, an out of the way, kabob centric Mediterranean standby off the beaten path in El Cajon.  It's comforting to be able to get a tasty meal from some nice people in a home-like setting.IMG_5352IMG_5338This chilly day had The Mister and I driving around in search of some items to share for lunch.IMG_5341IMG_5351The Mister ordered the #1 Beef Shish Kabob plate ($8).  You can see the herbs and spices mixed in with the lean beef.  Two kabobs on top of an excellent basmati rice, served with turshi (mango pickled cabbage), vegetables sprinkled with the salty/citrus-y red sumac and plenty of warm pita bread.IMG_5342Being undecided as to to order tabouleh, baba ghannouge or hummus, I asked what was good and the friendly cook/owner gentleman said he had just made the hummus, so a side order ($5) was a simple decision. This is a tahini based hummus, not too garlic-y, and the olive oil made it perfect.  IMG_5345This is the order of warm, fresh pita bread that accompanied our meal.  IMG_5346Whenever I am here, I order the lentil soup ($5).  It is wonderful, also just made fresh that morning. Lentils cooked in chicken stock bursting with cumin, turmeric, garlic and onion flavors…simple and perfect on this chilly day.  

A great meal on a chilly day.  I hope your day has been as enjoyable.  

Sagmani's Restaurant 478 Douglas (between El Cajon Blvd and Main Street) El Cajon, CA 92020 (619)440-0077 IMG_5349

La Mesa Craft Kitchen (first look)

Thanks for continuing to drop by to read mmm-yoso!!! Today, Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are taking breaks and Cathy is writing. 

Over the past six months, whenever we'd stop at Carnitas Uruapan (which is far more often than I've posted), The Mister and I watched the progressing construction of this new La Mesa Gastropub, which opened about two weeks ago. (cc has been here recently; here is a link to her post)IMG_5324IMG_5325The location of Craft Kitchen La Mesa used to be a 7-11. (Look into the distance of the above photo, you can see the new 7-11 location, directly on the other side of Spring Street).IMG_5321Stepping into the front door, the menu board and ordering area are in front of you.  There are also menus on the counter and some chairs if you need to peruse. The menu is short.

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IMG_5308Order, pay, find a seat…IMG_5302_2IMG_5306Perhaps decide on a beer or wine to accompany your meal… IMG_5303Then again, there are tasters ($2 each) when you can't decide.  Julian Hard Cider and Karl Strauss Mosaic were our choices this day.  IMG_5311Other difficult choices were deciding what we wanted to try on this visit (while planning what we want to try on future visits…did you notice there is breakfast…daily breakfast, not just a weekend Brunch…).  So, the "Greens " flat bread ($10) was our mutual choice.  Fresh made chewy (with a bit of bottom crunch) flatbread topped with Mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, fresh chopped garlic and basil…the flavors all melded wonderfully and went well with each beverage choice.   
 IMG_5313IMG_5317This quite large (despite the photo) "Strawberry Fields" salad ($11) with added chicken ($2) was also a mutually decided choice, primarily because of the cheese –Burrata– and our general tendency toward trying to have a 'balanced' meal.  Spring mix greens, whole almonds and a very nice strawberry vinaigrette combined with the Burrata and good portion of warm/just cooked marinated chicken (the flavors of the chicken were good enough not to need any seasoning additions) made this salad an excellent meal…well, half the salad plus half the flatbread was a great meal.  

La Mesa (and its border) is gradually becoming the East County version of 30th Street, with a few stumbles and successes, with established  gastropub/regular pub type restaurants. The concept of breakfast at Craft Kitchen will be thoroughly investigated.  

La Mesa Craft Kitchen 4253 Palm Avenue (at Spring Street) La Mesa, CA 91941 (619)461-4887 Open 7 days Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat 8a.m.-11 p.m. Sun 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Website
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Phils BBQ (Santee)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! today.  Kirk is out and about, enjoying the beautiful countryside. Ed(from Yuma) is out and about enjoying the Yuma countryside. Cathy is here, blogging and noticing the sky out the window.

Phils BBQ.  On weekends, lines form and snake outside the door at each of their (currently) three locations from 11 a.m. into the evening.  Visitors from back East mention Phil's as one of their 'musts' when asked where they would like to eat…They've heard of it.  Even Ed(from Yuma) and a friend have stopped at Phil's to enjoy a meal.IMG_5927 These rare (both because of no line and there was rain) photos were taken in January on a Monday, because 'back then', Phils was closed on Mondays, but now Phil's is open an extra 52 days a year.IMG_5928IMG_5020Really.  Mondays.IMG_5015That's the whole menu. You should be able to order quickly and efficiently when you get to the front of the line, yet many people seem overwhelmed. Hence, the line moves slowly.IMG_3827IMG_4114Many people just call in 'To Go' orders and get in and out quickly. We like to sit and eat inside.IMG_3816IMG_3822There is much visual and auditory stimulation. Mentioning that beer is available here is redundant.  Beer is San Diego. IMG_3825IMG_3824Other beverages and to-go containers are self serve and self explanatory.IMG_3814Any  condiment you might need is on every table. 

On to the food!

While not open pit smoked/authentic BBQ, the food here is very good. With the constant influx of customers, every item is fresh.IMG_3818Starting with the only item I order, the 'Beefy Rib Tickler'($8.95). One BBQ'd beef rib bone with 2 onion rings, cole slaw and fries.  Your choice of BBQ sauce on top or on the side. 

The beef rib is (as always) from a cow and therefore very large, meaty.  It is falloff the bone perfectly cooked after being seasoned with a dry rub and good by itself or dipped in the sauce.  The fries and onion rings are perfectly fried/not greasy and the cole slaw recipe here is one of my favorites; crispy and a bit tangy.  This plate is perfection and, really, after trying the entire menu, my only choice.IMG_3817However, I digress.  For those times (or guests) wanting something lighter, you can choose a small or large salad ($2.95/$4/95) and for an additional $3, top it with seasoned BBQ chicken. (The option of a small/large Caesar salad is $3.95/$5.95)(The amount of chicken for $3 is the same on either size salad).IMG_3820There are small ($1.75) and large sides($3) available.  Above, a small side of sweet baked beans, another version that I enjoy because it is both sweet and tangy.  Other small sides are cole slaw, fries, potato salad and macaroni salad. Large sides include all of those plus steamed veggies, a baked potato and corn on the cob.IMG_4125One item most people seem to order here is the "BBQ Broham sandwich"($6.95), seasoned and then char-grilled pulled pork on a toasted bun served one top of (or placed on the side, as above) cole slaw.IMG_4121For those who prefer pork ribs, the "Baby Back Ribs Tickler" ($6.95) is a good choice. Three baby backpork ribs, parboiled then grilled (using the same dry rub as on the beef ribs) and served with 2 rings, fries and coleslaw.  

Sauce on the side for me! A unique (sweet, tangy and peppery) sauce and to fully appreciate, I think tasting the meat first, then the sauce by itself, then the meat with the sauce is the only way to appreciate sauces (and salsas).IMG_4116IMG_3823There is no need to run to the restroom or deal with disposable wipes to clean up when you are finished eating…

Phils BBQ 9816 Mission Gorge Road Santee 92071 (619) 449-7700 website 11-10 Sun-Th, 11-11 Fri-Sat

El Mango Manila (National City)

Thanks for stopping to look at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, today.  Cathy is writing again because the guys (Kirk and Ed(from Yuma)) are not having anything to do with blogging at this point in time.  

A few months ago, The Mister and I were in National City and did another random stop when we saw a very bright,  interesting bit of signage. IMG_5063_2According to the owners (all family), El Mango Manila has been open here since 2011. IMG_5047The menu is fairly extensive. Breakfasts here include molletes (my favorite) and there are tortas, sandwiches, green and fruit salads, juices, smoothies, licuados (milk based) and raspados (ices) and a variety of 'Crazy' menu items ('crazy' means cups of fresh corn topped with cheese, tostilocos, churrolocos, Takilocos and fruitilocos as well as a few other items).IMG_5048_2Recall that I said we were here a few months ago… IMG_5052Our order consisted of a medium Vampire juice (beets, carrots, celery and apple), small fruit salad of what was in season (strawberries, bananas, watermelon, green apple) topped with cottage cheese and granola with a side of honey and a mixed meat torta.  The total bill was $12.IMG_5059_2

The torta was served on very fresh toasted bread, spread with a spicy lime mayonnaise and had ham and turkey and a melted Mexican cheese as well as lettuce, tomato, pickles and avocado.  

This was a very tasty and fresh  meal for us.

I do enjoy finding new places as well as stopping at fruiterias.  Hope you are having a good weekend. 

El Mango Manila 2303 Highland Avenue National City, CA 91950 (619)336-0507

 

McGregor’s Grill & Ale House (near the Stadium)

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is out and about today and so is Ed (from Yuma), so Cathy is writing a short post.  

Continuing my quest of stopping at bars and pubs near  the Jack Murphy San Diego Chargers  football stadium, McGregors was noticed one weekday.IMG_4015IMG_4016The frontage faces North and around noon, the sun is just right above the buildings in this mall, located a block West of the San Diego Mission and in the first block East of the football stadium.IMG_3771During the week, you walk right up to the end of the bar area (above), order, pay and have a seat; the food will find you.IMG_3781There is a billiard/pool table area with shuffleboard and darts.  Plenty of seating inside and out in front.IMG_3775Above, the 1/2 lb corned beef sandwich ($11.25) on grilled rye with Swiss cheese and a spicy (horseradish) mustard. Really good, lean corned beef; this sandwich could be shared (and it was).IMG_3778One Friday during Lent, I was alone and decided the 'Seafood Combo' ($8.95) would be a good choice. Homemade clam chowder bowl (excellent) and aIMG_3780Baja fish taco (fresh, crispy with a light beer batter), made this a perfect meal.IMG_4008Another visit had me trying a bowl of the homemade chili ($6.75) which was a really filling, tasty meal.  The spices were perfect, and even the black beans were complimentary along with the meaty chunks of coarse ground chuck.IMG_4006The half spinach salad ($6.25) is also a perfect size for a meal.  Baby spinach leaves and plenty of crispy, thick chopped smoky bacon pieces topped with a house made Dijon based salad dressing made this a very good choice. IMG_4005_2The other day, The Mister and decided to share a McGregor Burger ($8.25). A 1/3 lb burger made with fresh (never frozen, as are the burgers at all the bar-pubs in this part of town) ground beef, served with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, grilled onion and pickles as well as a choice of sides (you can see we chose the onion rings).  This was a very good burger and was cooked to a medium-rare, as requested.  The beer battered onion rings were excellent…whomever works the fryer here is an expert.

There are still a few more bar-pubs in the area, and I'll be 'researching' those soon.  Have a great weekend!

McGregors Grill & Ale House 10475 San Diego Mission Road San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 282-9797 Website

Kula Revolving Sushi Bar (Rancho Cucamonga)

Thank you for once again stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! Todays food centric blog post is written by Cathy because Kirk is (once again) very busy and Ed(from Yuma) is very retired and busy in his own way.

I've mentioned before that we still get newspapers delivered to our home daily.  There are many advantages to this old fashioned way of receiving news, not limited to easier comprehension for those of us who grew up learning to read the printed word on paper.  Yes, I'm talking ads that can't be 'blocked'.  

For the past few months, on a Saturday, the Los Angeles Times has run full page ads for L.A. based 'Revolving Sushi' restaurant, Kula.  The ads mention specials (January was 'Winter's Hot Food Fair', February until March 12 is 'Salmon Fair', no ad was in this past Saturday newspaper, so I expect to see something next Saturday). 

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There are three $5 off of $20 coupons at the bottom of the page. This was a reason to put the ad into the car when we were taking a drive North one weekday.  We were hoping to find a place closer to home that reminded us of our experience at A'Float Sushi, in 2010.IMG_5030_2IMG_4950_2Unsure of how crowded this restaurant would be, we chose the Rancho Cucamonga location (one of seven) and had alternative plans to stop at the Bass Pro Shop a few miles away, remembering our meal at the in-store restaurant, Islamorada Fish Company, in 2008.  As you can see, we had no worries on this weekday morning.IMG_5028Walking in, we saw the sushi conveyor moving around the restaurant.  Each booth, table and seat at the bar has access to the plates.  It wasn't crowded at opening (11:30), but was almost filled up by the time we were leaving.IMG_5025_2IMG_5016_2Taking seats at the bar gave us access to watching the rice maker, which not only cooks the (organic, from Lundberg Family Farms) rice, but pops out pre-formed, uniformly sized servings.  I was fascinated by this machine.  We also were privy to watching the constant preparation of conveyor items.

The sushi conveyor constantly moves via a belt under the crescent shaped chain, turns at the end to return in the opposite direction.  The sushi makers prepare three plates of a serving (all conveyor items are $2.25), placing a plate with a description which you see first, then the three serving plates, each covered for your protection.  Some servings have one, two or three items, some servings are in bowls.IMG_5023Above, you can see the first plate with the label for Conch, two empty spaces, where plates have been removed and one remaining plate, ready for the grabbing.  When the sushi makers see only the plate with the signage passing by, they remove it and that's another order of three plates they need to prepare.IMG_4967Fresh wasabi is brought out to the table.  The condiment tray with chopsticks, a covered ginger container, soy sauce server and red pepper are all you need here.

There is a separate menu wherein you can order items from the kitchen.

IMG_5011  IMG_5012IMG_4972We ordered green tea, miso soup (each $2)IMG_4986and a soft shell crab ($ 3.80) from the kitchen.  Everything else came from the kaiten, the merry-go-round track of plates moving in front of us.
IMG_4965This is a Kula roll. Real crab, topped with both tuna and salmon.  Very good.IMG_4977Karaage chicken, with mayonnaise for dipping. Perfectly fried.IMG_5006Seared steak sushi…good…different.IMG_5014The Mister wanted to try uni.  He had never had uni.  The plate has a single portion.  Yes, it appears it had been frozen and a mushy thaw…let's just say The Mister has no desire to try uni again. IMG_5009This had a label of Chicken Sukiyaki.  Smooth flavor, dark meat chicken with an onion-y sauce.IMG_4996Sorry for this blurry photo of the wonderful cucumber salad, a refreshing mix of sliced cucumber, seaweed and bamboo in a sesame oil-soy dressing topped with toasted sesame seeds.IMG_4992More apologies for this blurred photo of scallops with a sort of mayonnaise sauce on top of rice. This was very good.IMG_5018You keep your dishes and steam covers stacked and the waitress counts them at the end to calculate your bill.

The food is…good, the experience is fun and interesting. We spent $33 before the $5 discount…it's so easy to grab a plate; discipline is needed…

Perhaps you are wondering why I'm posting about a Los Angeles based chain.  After we ate here, I was researching other posts about Kula and saw this article by Candice Woo in the Eater, written in November.  The space it will occupy in San Diego shares the same parking lot with Iceskimo and appears to be ready to open very soon.  

Kula Revolving Sushi Bar Website Address: 9659 Milliken Ave., Suite 104-105 
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 Phone:909-294-3429 Daily 11:30am-9:00pm (Last Seating, Last Order 8:45pm)

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Camels Breath Inn (revisit) (Stadium area/Grantville)

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Today, Cathy is writing, because Kirk is just too busy and has no time to write, while Ed (from Yuma) is doing something associated with retirement (in Yuma) .

Yes, there are  manymany, many small 'pubs' near the Jack Murphy San Diego Chargers football stadium.IMG_3770Each of these purveyors of adult beverages are open during daylight hours and serve food.  I did post about Camel's Breath Inn back in 2009, am now less fearful of taking photos and figure an update is due. 

People familiar with the area of Friars Road East of the Stadium may have noticed an Armstrong Nursery just along Friars road, with a Stuart Anderson's Black Angus Steakhouse on the corner.  Camel's Breath Inn is located with other businesses in that parking lot.   IMG_3762IMG_3764IMG_3763IMG_3761There's a theme to the decor here.  There are specials listed on the chalkboard (to the left in the third photo up) and usually there's a placard on the tables.  This is a link to a current menu. We were here on a Sunday (but not during football season, when there are even more specials between 9 and 10 a.m.). Brunch was available.IMG_3765However, The Mister wanted a burger and ordered a 'build your own burger'($9). The 1/2 lb hand formed fresh ground beef patty, topped with His choices of cheese, avocado and mushrooms along with the standard lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles (bacon as well as a number of other items are choices and all for the same price).  The burger comes with a choice of sides and, as you can see, slaw it was. The burger was cooked to a medium rare char on a flat top grill, was very good flavored. The lightly toasted sesame seeded bun was fresh and held up to the burger and toppings. The slaw here is very good. IMG_3766IMG_3767Still on my Benedict craving, the carnitas Benedict (alternately called a 'pulled pork' Benedict on the table menu) ($8) was my choice. Placed on top of a sliced and toasted slider bun, the large amount of in house cooked pork carnitas, topped with two perfectly poached eggs and a house made Hollandaise, was just right on that chilly morning.  The sides of refried beans and home fried potatoes were plentiful and most were taken home as leftovers that day.

The food and atmosphere here are improved over our previous visits.  There is a definite competition between the 'taverns' in the one mile radius area (yes, there will be more posts) with more quality food as well as beverage offerings. 

Camel's Breath Inn  10330 Friars Road, #106  San Diego 92120 (619)281-1722 website

Iceskimo-shaved snow

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog, is where you have stopped for a moment.  The food posting of today is written by Cathy.  Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are just not feeling it.

As Kirk has mentioned, our weather had been very strange the past few weeks.  Very hot days, very cold days, rainy, windy and now, a bit chilly in the morning and evening but clear and pleasant during mid-day…

On one of the hot days, The Mister and I stopped here, the newest location of a business,IMG_3928 (which was a pop up inside Pangea Bakery Cafe just last summer), for  a refreshing snack.

The location?  On the East side of Convoy, just next to Jasmine Seafood Dim Sum, sharing the same parking lot with Dumpling Inn (which will be moving within that same parking lot into the former First Korean Market, which held Island Town restaurant, which had been one location of Woo Chee Chong, a San Diego mainstay since 1899, closing in 1995). (Link to obituary of the son of the WCC founders).

Anyhow, you should be able to see the Aqua colored building… IMG_3904_2IMG_3907Walking into the small storefront, there are a few tables and some bar stool seating.  Straight ahead, a suggested menu is available.  To the left are the snow shaving machines. Pricing is by the ounce (48 cents/ounce on our most recent visit). IMG_3908IMG_3909IMG_3910IMG_3911Topping choices can be overwhelming. Pretty much anything you'd like is available… There are six main flavors of shaved snow always available: original (condensed milk), strawberry, green tea, lychee, black sesame and salted caramel.IMG_3915That day, I wanted something simple, so a small cup of shaved lychee was mine.  (4.5 oz, $2.16)IMG_3919This is a good photo to show you the delicate ribbons formed by shaving the ice block.  The snow melts in your mouth and the bright flavor is just wonderfully crisp; not too sweet.IMG_3921IMG_3922Special Selection that day was the 'Frozen Hot Chocolate'.  This order weighed 8.7 ounces (and therefore was $4.18; I can do math in my head and not show the work, because I am old).

Chocolate shaved snow (very good chocolate), topped with dark chocolate bits, fresh strawberries and house made whipped cream, along with two fluted cookies.  The depth of flavors in this combination was great.  Even though I don't crave chocolate, this really did hit the spot for me. 

Iceskimo 4609 Convoy San Diego 92111 (858) 216-1111 Mon-Th noon-10:30, Fri-Sat noon-11:30 Sun noon-10:00