What Cathy Eats! – Page 58

The Packing House, in the Packing District. A food centric road trip to Anaheim.

September 9, 2014 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Chocolate, Orange County, Road Trip, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are trying to stay cool. Cathy and The Mister went on a quick road trip North, stayed cool in the air conditioned vehicle and is sharing her one hour drive each way, just for lunch.

In an effort to run away from the stifling heat in our non-air conditioned home, The Mister and I jumped in the car one weekday morning and drove to see a place we had read about in the LA Times. The description reminded us of 'Food Halls' we each grew up with. We arrived around 10:30 a.m.See it? In the back, between the "P" and the "A". The Anaheim Citrus Packing House was rescued from demolition in 2000 and fully restored, opening to the public on May 31 this year. The two acre area just North of it, "Farmers Park", is used for a Farmers Market on Sundays, has an amphiteater and seating, a bocce ball court, public ping pong table and hosted outdoor film festivals this summer and will host other community events (a Fall Festival and Parade, Oktoberfest and a German Christmas Market) later this year. The rest of the 'Packing District' spreads over another five or so blocks, with various shops, stand alone restaurants, a small Food Court area and even a former library turned museum. There is public art, marked on the sidewalks within the District as part of Anaheim Artwalk, all 'Downtown' Anaheim, with City Hall in the midst. The entrance on the East side of the building. If you go in through the doors you see under the signage seen in the background of the second photo, The dual rooster greeters are on the inside on the second floor. Speaking of the inside…
This open central/atrium area, giving views of the first and second floors is just so beautiful. You'll notice so many different seating areas, some for each restaurant and many, like a Food Court, out in the open. The individual tabletops (along the railing) each with an accompanying stool, have a hook on the back/center area to hang your purse or other bags. Notice that seating area at the bottom? Under the Pendelton Wool pads, the whole seat area moves; it is part of the original scale used in the plant. There's a seating area surrounded by history- orange crate labels, photos of the original Packing Plant, the scissors used to cut the opening ribbon… Places to eat and drink here? There are quite a few. Overwhelming choices, as noted by each porcelain tile…

Adult beverages, behind that Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Fancy Frozens on a Stick, Coffee… Crepes, a 'comfort food' establishment that makes a variety of poutines as well as cheese curds, Southern Soul foods, even bulk foods, spices and seasonings (at good prices). There is a juice place, Indian, Japanese and Vietnamese, hot pot, another beer-centric place and a couple of not yet opened storefronts. Pick a craving; you can find a solution here or within a few blocks.

Then there was what we (finally) decided to order.
Chippy's opened when the menu appeared on the screens. The items were properly fried, crispy and not overly greasy and the fish was a very large, moist piece. The squid rings were just OK; not bad, but not great. The onion rings were heavenly. The Chippy Fish and Chips The menu at Wheat & Sons was being written and would soon be open. We knew what we wanted. The Porchetta sandwich, still warm, served on a grilled ciabatta roll with a sort of pesto-esque/herby sauce, rocket greens, pickled radishes. Plenty of fresh garlic -no rosemary- infused pork, as you can see from the cross section. We also indulged in less than a half pound of fresh rillettes. If you can only choose one place for a meal, this is where I'd choose. Wheat and Sons butcher shop
When we walked in, the first proprietor to speak to us was this nice young man who was chipping chocolate before his store opened. That's the whole menu. We ordered a small affogato with vanilla ice cream, regular chocolate sauce and the additional chantilly cream with chocolate shavings. This was THE best, ever. I don't care for chocolate and this was magical to me. Turns out the chocolate sauce is made from…chocolate, not cocoa, as other places use. Dark 180, another 'if you only can order only from one' place.

We will return. It was a fun adventure.

The Packing House in the Anaheim Packing District 440 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA Website

The Dragon Room at Wongs Golden Palace (La Mesa) lunches

September 2, 2014 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Beer, Pubs and Pub Grub, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a simple blog, with each post eventually concentrating on food consumed. Today, Cathy is showing what was consumed and where it was prepared. Kirk is way busy at work and Ed(from Yuma) is doing his own consuming out there.

In 2009, I wrote about Wongs Golden Palace, then a 42 year La Mesa icon. I mentioned our favorite food selection, chicken liver chow mein and had a few photos of the ever so classic faux marble with gold vein tabletops.

Near the end of that now five year old post, I mentioned the bar area and their 'specials', telling you I just can't take photos in the darkened area. Five years later, the photos are still coming out dark. Be forewarned. The food is great, so I am sharing.

The now 47 year La Mesa restaurant and attached bar, the Dragon Room, (there, to the far right) has a classic exterior (as well as interior) design, from the signage to the facade.Once inside, there are four televisions above the bar, lots of signage about specials and a large selection of beer, and liquor…(the pint beer on tap is $3.75).There's a modern juke box, foosball, pinball and of course, a pool table.Here are the best photos I can acquire of the 1/2 lb angus burger. As you can (sort of) see, it is served on a toasted bun (sesame seeded), hand formed, can be ordered with cheese, comes with crinkle cut fries or battered whole onion rings or half and half. $5.50, available only Monday-Friday from 11:30-2:30. It's really good. Taco Tuesdays are particularly good, if you like tacos like Mom used to make, with ground meat and packaged seasoning. The shells can be soft or fresh-fried (my favorite) and the toppings are fresh and plentiful. Three for $3.25 is a usual order; the five for $4.75 is a great deal, and way too much for the two of us to share. The Fish Fry Friday ($7.50) Plate is a particularly good, large, filling meal. On this day, we received eight smaller batter fried (perfectly fried I might add) pieces of a solid white fish, along with a lot of crinkle cut fries, cole slaw and similarly sized bowl of tartar sauce. Excellent. This plus the 1/2 lb angus burger make a very filling meal.

On every day except Tuesday, you can order from the Wongs menu and have it brought over from the kitchen (Wongs Golden Dragon is closed for lunch on Tuesday). I did not photograph the WingsWednesday nor the weekend menu items (Steak and eggs for $8 Saturday from 9-noon is a deal; the pork chop and chicken fried steak and eggs meals, $7 each are also really good diner-type meals). Hopefully, I'll post about those before the 50th anniversary.

Again, apologies for the dark photography. We come here to eat and don't want to interfere with other patrons.

Wongs Dragon Room 7126 University Avenue La Mesa, CA 91942 (619)464-9772

Summertime/Limited Time fast food treats

September 1, 2014 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Chains, What Cathy Eats!, yoso-silly

Hello there. You have found mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog that shares random food-centric posts. Today, Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are relaxing and researching. Cathy is writing.

According to the calendar, Summer is less than three weeks away from becoming Autumn. The Labor Day weekend is sometimes considered the end of summer, but food-wise, the stone fruits, ears of corn and tomatoes on the vine are still growing and available in the stores.

At some local and mostly chain restaurants, there have been some Summer-only treats which will be slipping off of the menu soon. We enjoy trying the seasonally special treats, enjoying the 'rare' rather than the 'usual'. Here's a small compilation of what was found this year.Stopping at the oldest operating McDonald's Restaurant, in Downey, which has a museum of McDonald's memorabilia, to try the fried apple pie once a year is a Summer splurge. At any McDonald's, the baked peach pie was a special item this Summer. Not only peaches, but a layer of cream cheese, which cuts the sweetness and adds a richness. A great treat.

Another note- ALL McDonald's have "Filet o Fish Friday" all year (not just during Lent) with reduced prices ($1.50) on those delightful sandwiches on Fridays. It's not advertised but usually the bottom item on the 'Value Menu', or just ask. Website

The Starbucks Window decals this Summer have been concentric circles, symbolizing bubbles. They have been advertising not only adding carbonation to ANY beverage (for a mere fifty cents) but also have had "Fizzio" beverages available in three flavors (root beer, ginger and ginger-lemon). All three flavors are caffeine free, hand made with a combination of syrups and the carbonation and contain cane sugar. The flavor is very close to Vernors Ginger Ale in taste point (not like Canada Dry or Schweppes at all). The root beer- you can almost taste each ingredient, from the cinnamon, nutmeg, molasses and anise to the vanilla. Very different and refreshing on some of our warmer/humid days. Also this summer, the San Diego area Starbucks were 'retrofitted' to display and sell (Starbucks-owned) La Boulange pastries. The stores just North of us began serving La Boulange more than a year ago. Some of the pastries are excellent. The ham and cheese and egg breakfast sandwich on this croissant-like bun is very good and different from the 'artisan' ham and cheese also available. Website
In honor of it's 50th anniversary, Del Taco brought back their 'Classics' this summer, and the **Bun Taco** revived a craving. I remember we purchased both a Bun Taco and a Taco Salad and ate those on the floor of our new home when unpacking from our cross country move…a 'California Meal', we said… Website

A new item available at 85C is a lemon iced tea, which is made with a whole sliced lemon. Ordered without any added sweetener, this is really tasty; both the tea and lemon are standouts. Website Jack In The Box had a few new items available. The 'croissant donut', made to order was so promising. As you can see, the texture is nothing like the ad. It was pretty much the churro dough fried into another shape, topped with the churro cinnamon sugar topping. Disappointing. The banana sundae though was very nice. A layer of banana puree topped with soft serve, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry was refreshing. Website Another cinnamon-sugar flavored dough was at Carls, Jr. The 'cinnamon pull apart' seems to be made of balls formed from biscuit dough (which is very good) rolled in cinamon sugar then baked into a large roundish shape. It tastes like something mom made at home with leftovers. website Rita's, an East Coast frozen custard-Italian ice franchise has finally made it to San Diego, opening five locations as of this date, with more slated. We've stopped at the Chula Vista location and have tried various daily-made ices as well as custards. So far, a gelati (layers of custard and Italian ice) made with Florida orange ice and vanilla custard is a favorite. The Swedish Fish flavor is really good too. I first found out about Rita's from cc , who has visited here many times since April. Website Paris Baguette has been having mid-month deals for a while now. The 11th of each month is interesting in that you get a fairly large container of pastry cream when you purchase a baguette. This summer, banana and pineapple pastries were available in a few variations; a change from mango everything I've seen around town. If it were the 12th of the month, pastries and desserts are 20% off. If here on the 13th of the month and purchase $10 of items, two slices of multigrain bread would be the bonus… Website

Waffles are becoming a 'thing' now; I could do a week of posts about waffle sandwiches. Vons grocery store has been selling 'Waffle Donuts' this summer. Kirbie and Mary each wrote a whole post about these waffle shaped, not donut dough-ed items which have been on sale, two for $1. The Mister brought these home…the glaze has the vary-ing flavors, the size was dependent on the glaze, the dough is not waffle, nor is it a doughnut…it confused me. Website Tastee Freez, located inside most Weinerschnitzel locations, has had daily specials for almost a year now. Since you never know when that might end, we tend to drop in for a snack. The pink dipped flavor is cotton candy, and it is surpsisingly accurate. The part carmel part chocolate dip is excellent. Mary mentioned the Tastee Freez items in her recent Weinerschnizel post. Website Northgate Gonzalez Market added a small booth in the center of the 'Deli' section, making Tostilocos and Raspados to order. For $1.99, ice is shaved and topped with your choice of concentrated, fresh toppings (prune, strawberry, pineapple, coconut, apple, jamaica and mango). I chose jamaica and coconut- there were fresh coconut shavings and the jamaica was not too sweet. Another refreshing treat. Website

It's been fun trying some new and limited items. I hope you've had a chance to partake before Autumn choices and coolness sets in.

Go Go Sushi and Ramen (Mira Mesa)

August 25, 2014 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, Ramen, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are enjoying the cooling weather today. Cathy already has done so.

The little space right next to HMart on Mira Mesa Boulevard has changed business owners at least twice since 2012. Since The Mister and I try to have a bit to eat before shopping, we stopped in for quick bites.

The full menu as well as a Specials Board is out front. The two times we were here, the Specials were the same…The interior has been redone and is not as jarring (when the space was Po and Pho, florescent lights were almost too bright for my old eyes). Complimentary edamame was served. A better soy sauce is the only condiment on the table. For the first visit, The Mister's order came with miso soup (mine didn't) but the nice waitress brought me a complimentary bowl. That was nice. It was good; pretty standard. The Mister ordered the 'Lunch Special' bento box ($6.95 and included a beverage; regular $7.95 without beverage)). Teriyaki chicken (a more citrus rather than sweet flavor sauce), California roll and tempura vegetable along with rice and salad. The nicely grilled chicken and sauce was plentiful, the California roll was fresh (warm rice; good) and the tempura was properly fried…salad dressing was tasty. Because of the hot day, I had decided I wanted a salad and ordered the "Hawaiian Poki" ($9.95)(that's how it is spelled on the menu), which was wonderful. A good amount of fresh, properly marinated tuna on top of a seaweed salad, topped with crushed macadamia nuts. This was very satisfying. We also ordered the mixed tempura side ($4.95) which included two pieces of shrimp as well as broccoli, onion, zucchini and sweet potato all breaded and fried properly.Next visit, I wanted to try the calamari salad ($7.95). It's listed as an appetizer. The size was a disappointment. You can see only five small strips of fried squid and it wasn't really enough for me, much less to be shared. There was plenty of lettuce…but still.. one thing I would not order again. Many people here during each visit were ordering sushi rolls from the five pages or so of their listings on the menu. However, the table placard caught our interest.The tonkatsu ramen with a side of tonkatsu. ($7.95 + $2). The broth was very rich and deeply flavored; the BBQ pork pieces were meaty and moist; I especially liked the egg; the noodles had a nice tooth and this was well made. The side of tonkatsu was fried by the same guy who did the calamari pieces for my salad… too thin, too crispy…

We will have to try more of the menu but, for the most part, we're happy with what we have tried. Here's a link to Mary's post, when she came here just after Go Go opened last July.

Go Go Sushi and Ramen 9430 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego 92131 (858)530-8600 open 11-9 daily (closes 9:30 on Fri and Sat)

2015 Rose Parade float road test #3-(another) food road trip.

August 22, 2014 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, Farmer's Markets/Night Market, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food. So many events lead us to food. Today's post is about one of those days. Cathy is writing; Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are reading.

Saturday, we woke up around 3:30 and let the dogs out, made coffee, threw some laundry and dishes into their respective cleaning machines and by 4:50, The Mister and I were headed North in the cool darkness of the early morning. (Other 2015 road test posts here and here.

Our first stop was Cream Pan, six minutes after it had opened. We picked up a ham and cheese croissant, orange chocolate pastry and a loaf of walnut bread, all still slightly warm, from the filled shelving displays.

Cream Pan Japonaise Bakery 602 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92780 (714) 665-8239

Back on the freeway soon enough; arrived in Pasadena and the Phoenix Decorating Company barn, just before 7 a.m..

A few 2015 Tournament of Roses parade floats were lined up on Raymond Street, ready for mechanical and maneuverability testing.

The American Armenian Rose Float Association, from Pasadena, is sponsoring this very large, beautiful float this year. It's the first time an Armenian float will participate in the parade, 100 years after an Armenian (M.S. Pashgian) was chosen as Grand Marshal for the 1915 Tournament of Roses Parade. The various details of this 'Cradle of Civilization' titled float symbolize the 'Inspiring Stories' of the American Armenian community. (Theme of the 2015 parade is 'Inspiring Stories').Here's the 'Observer' seated in the City of Hope 2015 float. He doesn't control anything, but speaks to the driver (seated more toward the center) telling him how and when to turn, steer and if the speed needs to be increased or decreased. Here's a full length view of the City of Hope 2015 Rose Parade float- it will have various beakers and flasks, a DNA strand, and 'wishes' printed on the tags, all attached to hot air balloons. Seeing the bare outline now is as interesting as seeing the finished product. (The driver sits next to the red fuel tanks).The Shriners Hospitals for Children float, "A Million Stories of Hope and Healing", was also tested that morning. The Shriner Bear rocks from left to right and is just so cute! See the small rectangle cutout at the base of the green bookmark? That's for the Observer on this float.

When we were finished with the testing, we walked to cross the Metro tracks and this time stopped to check out the public art decorating the Fillmore Metro Station.The spire (top and bottom details in the above photos) is part of the entire work at the station and titled Geologica 42. (Link to a very detailed description)(Link to a less detailed description). There is symbolism in all of it, from the baseball (at the very top), weather vane, anemometer, Bell X1 rocket ( which first broke the sound barrier, designed at CalTech and tested at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; locals), the number 42 (Jackie Robinson was a Pasadena Resident) …

…as well as the five bronze steamer trunks which are seats at the Gold Line stop (Harry Houdini was born in Pasadena). We walked over the tracks, to Arroyo Parkway and one block North, to Lucky Boy, for a quick breakfast.

This 24/7, drive in, walk up, American breakfast, burger and burrito joint has been here for decades and prepares quality, hearty food for a good price (without tip jars on the counter). Above, the bacon and egg platter ($6.80): 3 eggs, hash browns toast and…bacon(!) and my usual, an egg sandwich on rye ($3.35) with the included fixings of lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Served with the fresh made tomatillo based salsa, this was a great meal. Lucky Boy 640 S. Arroyo Parkway Pasadena 91105 (616) 793-0120 Website
We drove five miles East, to the parking lot of Pasadena High School on Sierra Madre Boulevard and stopped at the Pasadena Certified Farmers Market, which was already buzzing.

We try to only shop at Certified Farmers Markets and this one is particularly interesting, being in such a central location to attract local farmers. Pasadena Certified Farmers Market 2900 North Sierra Madre Boulevard, Pasadena Website

Back on the road, headed East to the 15, I wanted some coffee and yet another snack (or three) and we stopped at the Chino Hills location of 85C (a location is being built in San Diego on Clairmont Mesa at Genesee, but seems to be taking forever). This typical (grab a tray, line with paper, grab tongs and serve yourself, take to the cashier who individually bags each item for you) Taiwanese bakery chain is named because 85 degrees Centigrade is the perfect temperature for brewing coffee. There are two sets of cash registers, one dedicated to beverages (but you can order beverages from the other register also). Our snacks, a mini apple pie (puff pastry crust) ($2), Cheese bread (filled with a sweet ricotta cream cheese blend)($1.50) and a Calamari stick (which was round, filled with cheese and topped with garlic)($1).

Sea salt beverages are available here. Above an iced sea salt coffee ($3)and an iced sea salt (mountain green) tea ($2.75). There was no sugar added and each tasted wonderful, with the brewed beverage topped with a dollop of chilled steamed milk with sea salt crystals on the bottom, slightly blended in (swirling the container helps). The flavor meshing is amazing. 85C Bakery Cafe 12959 Peyton Drive Chino Hills 91709 website

We were home by noon. Hoping you have an interesting weekend!

Point Loma Seafoods- revisit

August 21, 2014 Cathy Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read this food blog. Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are researching various food at various places to be able to share with you. Cathy is sharing.

Early one morning, The Mister and I decided to head toward the coast and play 'tourist', stopping at Liberty Station, the former Naval Training Center, on Point Loma. It was still overcast and cool.People were out and about early and we had a nice walk while observing the sights.

We drove over to Point Loma Seafoods and there was no line for parking, so I drove to the back of the lot (so there would be no pressure to back out quickly when leaving; if you've ever been here, you know what I mean…it is brutal) and walked along the water to the entrance.

We saw a very happy sea lion near the rocky edge. …who apparently caught (or was fed) some fish.

Yes, this is a regular lunchtime spot for the two of us.

The Board out front this day had one item we were very interested in sharing.

The fresh clams…a childhood favorite of The Mister.

As mentioned, we were here very early.
Our order… My usual, Fish Plate ($12.04) Alaskan cod (three large meaty pieces), crispy fries and coleslaw, served with the wonderful tartar sauce made here.

The fresh wild Ipswitch clams plate ($18.62). When ordered, the counter guy walked over to the seafood display case and grabbed a whole container and took it over to the kitchen to be prepared. So, an additional $4 for breading, frying, fries and slaw…not bad. The fat juicy tasty belly clams are a delicacy to us and made an excellent lunch.

Point Loma Seafoods 2805 Emerson (at Scott) San Diego 92016 (619)223-1109 Summer hours: M- Thurs, 9-7:30, Fri-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-8. Website Link to Menu

Fruitmania – A Fruiteria and more(Lemon Grove)

August 14, 2014 Cathy Desserts, Fruiterias, Mexican Restaurants, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

You have navigated your way to mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is taking a break from posting, Ed(from Yuma) is taking a break from retirement and Cathy is posting and not quite retired.

Broadway in Lemon Grove. A street filled with small storefronts and feeder road parking. Looks like small town America. Every fifth store with a similar footprint. Large side display windows leading into the main area.The inventory is behind the counter, not on display as at some other Fruiterias where The Mister and I enjoy various snacks and meals throughout the year. Fruitmania has been here almost ten years. Family run. Not air conditioned. Friendly people. Great food. We are so lucky to live here.The signage is self explanatory. Eight tables and a couple of couches with clean, comfy seating.Choices are almost overwhelming.

Raspado Tamarindo ($3)- shaved ice filled with fresh made tamarind 'tea', (including the pods) and a more authentic flavor than most syrups. Refreshing and a new favorite during this hot summer.

A small pico de gallo ($5.50). Watermelon, cucumber, jicama and mango, topped with fresh squeezed lime and Tajin make this an automatic order whenever I stop in. You may have noticed one of the front window signs mentioned 'monster sandwich'. They all are – enough to share. Above is a Cuban Torta ($7-worth it). A toasted torta roll, sliced pork, sliced ham, pickles, cilantro, cheese and Dijon mustard. It's served with the extra large pickled jalapenos and the slices of Tajin topped orange..truly a perfect meal.One recent humid day, The Mister and I decided we wanted a dessert…and not one made of fresh fruit nor a beverage. A scoop of ice cream here is $2- and it is a quality ice cream: the vanilla has specks of vanilla in it, the strawberry has real strawberries in the ice cream and the chocolate is very rich and not too sweet. However, a banana split is $6. So we did. It was good.

I hope everyone is staying cool!!!

Fruitmania 7941 Broadway Lemon Grove CA 91945 (619)463-0241 Open M-F 9-6:30, Sat/Sun 10-7

Pho Pasteur Anh Hong (revisit)

August 11, 2014 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! A food blog based in San Diego. These hot summer days have Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) out and about and busy with so many activities. Cathy is writing because she isn't out. Or about. Or active.

I was reading Kirk's latest "Circling Back" post, with the last photo being Bo Tai Chanh (which was unimpressive to him, as it was to me) and thought I'd share a version I've enjoyed.

Yes, I've written a few posts about Pho Pasteur, because it is a place where the Mister and I default to when we know we want a nice meal (or when we want to go to K Sandwiches and the line is sometimes daunting.). Looking at the other posts, my photos are all from this table, Table 4, where we are always seated when we come here (I can tell you where the Table 4 is located at just about every Asian restaurant in the County, by the way).

We started this meal sharing Nem Nuong Cuon ($4.99), because I am now on a quest for San Diego's best version, after trying the Nem Nuong at Brodard (which I still have to post about). These were freshly made, tightly wrapped, the seasoned pork patties were very good. Noodle, lettuce and fresh mint filled the rice paper skin. I like this version.

The Mister ordered Bun Bo Xao ($7.99), which has been my usual order at Pho Lucky lately (again, I need to post on it). Bun (cold rice noodle on top of salad) topped with lemongrass-onion flavor beef. This version was a bit less 'delicate' than the one at Lucky, but quite enjoyable; the salad part (under the noodles) includes shredded cucumber as well as mint with the mixed lettuces.

The menu at Anh Hong has 196 numbered items, with a few subsets of said numbered items. We have tried almost half the menu here, always picking one which is 'new' to us.

This "Lemon Beef Salad"($10.99) was skipped over on the menu by me so many times, either because of the price or because I wasn't in a mood for salad. This marinated thinly sliced beef was **wonderful**. Barely cooked in citrus, so very tender and beefy flavored meat, a pleasant citrus based dressing (you will notice both versions (mine and Kirk's) are surrounded with lime slices, not lemon) and topped with peanuts, fresh herbs (and celery leaf)…and you can see underneath- no lettuce, but instead ribbons of cucumber, carrot, daikon, onion and…celery. I don't know why, but that celery and cucumber just made it all come together and I really liked this salad.

I have now tried 'Lemon Beef' salad at quite a few other Vietnamese restaurants this summer, and the version here is my favorite, so far.

I hope your week is good!

Pho Pasteur Ahn Hong 7612 Linda Vista road San Diego 92111 (858) 569-7515

Supannee House of Thai (Point Loma)

July 31, 2014 Cathy Thai Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog sharing a meal or two with you just about every day of the year. Today, both Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are out and about and Cathy is sharing.

It's been almost a year since Kirk wrote a post about Supannee House of Thai on Point Loma. I was curious then…and things happened and I forgot about it. Just a few weeks ago, I saw that cc had finally gone here. Again, curiosity was forming.

Last weekend, cc and I had planned another road trip …and I was impatient and drove up to Glendora early on Thursday. Since she and I still had the day free, we decided to see the sights around San Diego and one of many of the planned and spur of the moment stops of the day was here. Located in a small mall at the corner of Shelter Island Drive and Scott Street, the corner storefront looks plain. However, the interior is bright, clean and modern. The regular menu has a page explaining the philosophy (It's Farm to Table Thai!) and care used in the ingredient sourcing and the special/limited menu caught our eye. Hot tea ($1.50) was brought out in this heavy cast iron pot along with a heavy cup.

The house made Essan Sausage appetizer ($9.50) was, as both Kirk and cc stated, excellent. No filler, coarsely chopped pork, plenty of fresh herbs-lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, shallots and crispy deep fried with just a touch of crispy pan fried burn, the sides of lettuce, peanuts, ginger and Thai chili were complimentary to this wonderful sausage.

CC and I both like to eat whole fish when dining out. This was a perfect way to try out the special fish of the day- a Rockfish (small, 2.5-3 lb size, $25). The beautiful presentation lent itself to having the entirety of the fish skin crispy. Tamarind, garlic, chili, pepper, mushrooms, an array of Thai spices, that fried shallot and fried basil on top…all were complimentary to the meaty firm fish.

Usually our respective husbands are there to clean the carcass.But I think we did a pretty good job. I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu.

It turns out that CC just posted her Point Of View of this same meal. Her photos and other posts relating to our busy Saturday are a nice photo-diary.

Supannee House of Thai 2907 Shelter Island Drive San Diego 92110 (619)795-THAI Mon-Thurs 11-3, 5-9; Fri 11-3, 5-9:30; Sat Noon-9:30; Sun Noon-9 Website

Sushi Deli 3. It’s all about what to order.

July 30, 2014 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!. This post is not written by Kirk or Ed (from Yuma). Cathy is polite and eats any thing anywhere when friends invite her out.

I've heard the stories, read the 'reviews' and ordered carefully a few Tuesdays ago when client-friends invited me to dinner. It seems a lot of people think Sushi Deli 3 is a loud place, with customers mainly of the younger/college age crowd, serving lesser quality fish in the (five menu pages of) rolls with corresponding low prices.Most of that above statement is true. Being (probably) the oldest person in the room, not looking for a date and not drinking alcohol because I drove myself gave me an advantage in being able to order what I wanted (reading the whole menu) and not worry about any sort of social interaction other than with my friends; the televisions on the other side of the room were muted. [Above is a photo taken on a Sunday. You can tell this is not a weekday because there are empty parking spaces on the street- East of Convoy, a block from the Costco Business Center. The day I met my friends, we found out you can't even be put on the wait list until all members of the party are present. We waited about 30 minutes for a table that day.] Since I was not paying, I was polite and ordered the "July Special Bento" ($5.99) which included a very nice miso soup, chicken karaage, tempura vegetables, salad, four pieces of California roll and a heck of a lot of rice. The roll contained *real* crabmeat, not 'krab'. Everything was quite good, fresh, properly fried and plentiful. I was not disappointed.

Unafraid to bring The Mister here, we decided to try a bit more of the menu. Above, hot tea (no charge) and a pint of Shock Top ($3).

We were seated in a creatively decorated air conditioned room toward the back of the building. It was fun to check out the decor and not have to talk business, listen to loud music or a television.

The Mister ordered a calamari salad ($5.99). This was served in a VERY large bowl with mixed lettuces, shredded cabbage and carrots on the bottom, cucumbers and tomato and a cup of nice vinegar based salad dressing along with a large amount of perfectly fried, crispy and non-greasy calamari rings. The seaweed poke salad with yellowtail ($7.50) was a bit different than I'm used to- it was a non- marinated poke/sauce placed over the raw fish, but very good. The fish was fresh, plenty and tasty and the sauce had a nice 'bite' and was not overpowering. (For $1 less, you can get a lettuce and seaweed salad, which appears larger because of the lettuce, but has less fish and less avocado).

A side order of tempura ($3.99). Again, perfectly fried, lightly battered and consisting of one piece of 'krab', one chicken breast tender, one shrimp, two broccoli pieces and two sweet potato pieces. This could be a meal for me.

The last item to arrive at our table were these un-artfully displayed pan fried gyoza ($2.99), which were very tasty and pork filled with very little filler. I'm glad we ordered these; presentation isn't everything.

All in all, I can see why the younger crowd dominates; the prices are low for the amount of food served, which is prepared quite well and the beer on tap selection is good.

Sushi Deli 3 7986 Armour Street San Diego 92111 (858)292-5515 Open Mon-Thurs 11:30-2:30 , 5-9 Fri 11:30-2:30, 4-10, Sat 12-10, Sun 12-9 Website The menu is interesting to read in that there are all sorts of additional charges if you want to make substitutions in your selections.