Hope you have a fun and safe Halloween.
Pretty nice stuff around the neighborhood. But nothing beats this one in Los Olivos! Yikes!
Category: yoso-silly
Quebec City – A Quick Trip to Lévis, Dinner at Le Lapin Saute, and the Secret of the “Red Door” (A K-Drama Tie-in)
We took a short break after our wonderful lunch. Getting back up, the Missus was itching to "do something….anything". I asked the concierge about taking the Ferry across the St Lawrence to the city of Lévis. The very friendly concierge said that just the views of Quebec City was worth the $7.10 CAD (about $5.75) round trip. So off we went. The rather cloudy, rainy weather made for a rather dramatic view of Chateau Frontenac and Terasse Dufferin from the river.
When we arrived at dock, we just walked out and took a look around. The Missus saw these stairs and of course we ended up walking up.
We felt a bit odd when we reached the top; it was almost like we walked into someone's yard.
There were some nice looking homes on this side of the river.
And the views were wonderful.
This is Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire de Lévis Church.
We took a loop, before heading back down to the dock via the not so picturesque street. And then headed back to QC. We took another break before heading off to dinner.
The place I selected for dinner was on busy Rue du Petit-Champlain. A place named Le Lapin Saute and yes, lapin means "rabbit" in French. The restaurant looks really colorful from the outside and was totally packed! Folks were eating out on the patio in spite of the drizzles.
Luckily we had reservations.
I had been wanting to try a beer and ordered the Anne Baillargeon from Microbrasserie de l'ile d'Orléans.
A very light, fizzy, blonde lager….nice and refreshing.
There was one item I really wanted to try here; the Rabbit Poutine.
You are given a choice of gravies; we chose the version with mustard and it did not disappoint as it added a nice touch of pungent-sweetness that cut the richness. We love the potatoes in Quebec; this version was crisp, but all the fried potatoes seemed to be quite dark, but very sweet. The braised rabbit was very moist and tender, very clean tasting, with a slight almost chicken flavor.
The Cassoulet however, was a mixed bag.
While the sausage was wonderful as were the lardons; the beans were tough and undercooked, the rabbit dry and tasteless, and the duck confit dry and very salty. There was a lack of thyme-garlic flavor and the dish, other than being salty was a disappointment. The Missus started requesting my cassoulet immediately after.
The service was very friendly, even though the place was slammed. You gotta love Canadians, they are always so polite! 
I'm certain we'll return; if only for that poutine and perhaps one of the nice looking salads next time.
Le Lapin Saute
52 Du Petit-Champlain St
Quebec City, Canada
Before heading back to our room; I decided to take a photo of the Red Door.
What's up with the Red Door you might ask? Well, while walking on Rue du Petit-Champlain during our first afternoon in QC, we noticed a preponderance of Korean tour groups and everyone was taking a photo next to this door. So, when we returned to our room I Googled "red door quebec city" and oh my! Apparently, a K-Drama, known as Goblin, was partially filmed in Quebec City. The series was the second highest rated drama in Korean cable history. And it's made Quebec City a destination for Korean tourists! The Red Door is the portal from Korea to Quebec City and plays a rather large role in the K-Drama. Who'd have thunk? We'd actually run into another Quebec City Goblin filming location before we left the next morning. I texted the photo of the Red Door to our friend and K-Drama junky, "Xiāngjiāo" and got a really excited response "oh-my-god…how did you find the door"! Funny thing, we didn't find the door, the door found us.
I guess that's how Quebec City works!
Thanks for reading!
And now for a short break in the action…..
It's been a busy year for me and I haven't been able to see my dear friends much this year. At least not all together. But this being "C's" Birthday….well, I just couldn't say no.
And it was such a beautiful day. So, while I still put in some hours at work today, I met them afterwards for dinner. Plus, these are the folks who take whoel roasted pigs to Karaoke and hold Thanksgiving in August, who roasts whole pigs in their parent's backyard. I think "C" wanted seafood……so here's the spread.
So where's the seafood? Ummm, here…..
Happy Birthday C! Here's to many more!
Thanks for indulging me folks!
Returning to Tiger! Tiger!
**** Tiger! Tiger! has closed
I sure felt the heat the last couple of days. Must be getting wimpy in my old age.
Just a short post for today…..the humidity almost makes me want to head back to the office…..almost.
A few days back we just decided to get the heck out of the house and head to Tiger! Tiger!. We hadn't been back since January.
As usual the Charcuterie Plate was just what we wanted.
Though the cucumber – avocado salad was less than stellar. The cucumbers were old and the skin tough….perhaps they should have been peeled. The avocado was brown; too bad, because that dill based dressing was nice.
Still, it was a nice break.
And yes, I still haven't really ordered anything off the regular menu.
Tiger! Tiger!
3025 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104
It's been tough heading back to Tiger! Tiger! You see the last time we were there at the end of January, was the night we lost Sammy.
It was really strange; the Missus had a rare night off; She's been working like crazy like I have this year. Sammy, who had done deaf two years ago and usually wouldn't hear us when we got home anymore, met us as we returned at the door. I'd recently gotten him some steps so he could hang out on his favorite place on the sofa and we got a kick watching him use it. But you could tell; he was getting up there. He still ate well and his enthusiasm for life was unabated.
The Missus's co-worker knitted this silly looking cap for Sammy and this is our last photo of him on that day….I guess he wasn't amused.
He seemed extra energetic when we got home, running around, bugging me to play with him and his favorite toy of the hour. He just kept going and going….we just cracked up.
I went into the room we use as an office and Sammy took his usual position right behind my chair. I heard a sighing sound, Sammy looked at me, gasped, and he was gone. We grabbed him, ran out of the house and over to the Pet Hospital, but it was for naught.
In way, I think Sammy planned it out…..his Mommy was home, he'd had a great and fun evening, enjoyed his dinner, and got to say goodbye.
Typical Sammy.
Until we meet again.
SammyK
July 5, 2002 – January 25, 2017
Strange, our visit to Tiger Tiger was on the 5th……I didn't even realize it until the Missus mentioned it later that evening…..Sammy would have been 15. Maybe???
Rest well my friend.
Midweek Meanderings – What’s the “Story” with Your Story, Taisho Going on Vacation, and Other “Stuffs”
Haven't done one of these in a while…….
What's up with Your Story:
I was doing some errands this past Sunday when I noticed Your Story looked closed.
Didn't this place just open to a bit of buzz less than three months ago? You can check out Kirbie's post here.
So, what's the story with Your Story? Well, my sources tell me that they are closed permanently and that a KFC is opening in this spot….no, not "that" KFC, but a K(orean) F(ried) C(hicken) spot. I'm fairly certain that Eater will give us the scoop when it's ready to serve.
4403 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Taisho taking a vacation:
At least that's what the sign and Taka-san told me. Closed June 14th – 19th. Reopening on June 20th. 
Nazca Grill closes:
I saw this a couple of weeks ago.
Sad, but on my last visit a couple of months back, the lomo saltado was terrible and the place just seemed tired and worn.
4310 Genesee Ave
San Diego, CA 92117
As did this Jack-In-the-Box:
On the corner of Balboa and Convoy:
Here's hoping something good takes its place.
Here's what Soo had to say about the place a couple of months back.
7786 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111
Lastly….have you ever seen a more bored looking dog?
He's not impressed with what Whole Foods had to offer at all…..
Hope you're having a great week!
Trade Winds Tavern Soft Opening, Dudley’s Deli Becoming Tahini Street Food, the Sign for Ramen Ultra is up, Continuing my “Hut Streak”, and Wow, is it Closed?
A bit overdue with these odds and ends.
Trade Winds Tavern Soft Opening:
Been watching this spot since Char Hut closed. And was kind of curious when I read the Application for Ownership Change announcing the new business, then the Help Wanted sign mentioning a Asian themed Gastropub. So, does Common Theory have some serious competition? Stay tuned. Meanwhile, enjoy the soft opening prices until the end of February.
Trade Winds Tavern
7765 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111
Dudley's Deli Becoming Tahini Street Food:
Almost didn't notice this one.
Sadly, Dudley's in Kearny Mesa just never gained any traction. Now it's becoming something named Tahini Street Food.
9119 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123
The Sign for Ramen Ultra is up:
Been watching this location rather carefully. The sign for the shop is up.
Noticed when I went to pick up lunch at Beauty Hunan. Ready for more ramen?
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste M
San Diego, CA 92111
Continuing my "Hut Streak":
So, "Sandy" left a comment on my Noodle Hut post, after I mentioned doing "Two Huts in Three Days". She asked me: What's next – Pizza Hut? Apparently, Cathy read that comment and thought it was a hoot. So, I thought, "ok, why not"? The only problem was…..I don't recall the last time I actually saw a Pizza Hut and let Cathy know. She believes that I just block those places out. So, after doing a Google search, I found a Pizza Hut nearby….doesn't seem to have too many of them left, in Clairemont Town Square. I headed on over……by the time I reached the parking lot, I already had….hmmmm……how to describe it, "buyer's pre-morse"? And upon finding that it looked like a take-out only shop, I decided to turn around and head back to the car.
Yes…you could say that I….."chickened – Hut".
Still, wanting to keep my "hut-streak" going for one more day, I found a place that fulfilled the criteria.
It must have been fate, because I found a parking space in the worst lot on Convoy.
And had some Wings – "Naked"….sauce on the side. Nicely fried.
So there you go. I think three "Hut posts" in a row is enough.
Over and "Hut".
Crab Hut
4646 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
And finally…..
Wow, Is It Closed?:
Well, I'm not 100% sure.
Other than the brown paper blocking things out….the light are still on. Still, if Great Wow did close like this; it would probably fit the rather interesting pattern of how they opened.
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
Recently Consumed – The Numb Nutz Edition
For the two years or so, one of my favorite snacks is this……
These "spicy" peanuts are quite addictive. They aren't super spicy, but also have that "ma" (numbing) thing going on with whole Sichuan Peppercorns used along with dried chilies. It's a nice salty, spicy, and numbing snack. Inevitably I started calling these "numb nutz". I even started giving these away to folks, often telling them, "this snack reminded me of you". A little inside joke.
Anyway, I was wondering what would happen if I actually used these peanuts in a dish. I had a couple of cups of corn and used 1 cup of "numb nutz", doing a quick high heat stir fry. This was actually not bad……
The Missus has me cooking with "la rou" a lot these days. Her favorite prep is simply spinach stir fried using the Big Kahuna with La Rou and Garlic.
I topped it with some shaved gobo. It's Her current favorite; though I think the shaved Brussel sprouts with La Rou might be gaining ground. Heck, I've even done an edamame – orange bell pepper stir fry, that was more of a beer snack….it would probably go well with some numb nutz……
Just playing in the kitchen I guess….
And who you callin' numb nutz?
Merry Christmas
Hard to believe….this is my 12th Christmas post. And while that first one was just a plate of cookies…..well, let's go for something a bit grander. Like maybe Kyoto?
We did our usual Christmas Lights drive between storms…..
And there seems to be more decorations this year……
We also bought Da Boyz some fairly ugly sweaters. Frankie must have really hated his since he ended up rubbing it on the walls until it got stretched out. Looked like he was wearing an "Ugly Curtain".
Sammy….well, just kinda accepted things.
Anyway, from the gang here at mmm-yoso!!! We hope you have a safe, wonderful, and most of all…delici-yoso Christmas!
Sunday Stuffs: Yakyudori’s Empire Expands with Yakitori Hino, Yet Another Poke Place Opening, and Just in Case You Need Some Camel Milk
Yakitori Hino Coming Soon:
I noticed the "ABC" notice on the window of the former location of Mama's Grill.
A closer look revealed it's going to be "Yakitori Hino" and the owner is "Yakyudori Inc".
Interesting…..I'm going to have a bunch of questions for Taka-san next time I'm at Taisho. Though with the owner of RakiRaki opening a Yakitori shop and now this; I'm wondering when we'll hit critical mass.
7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
Also, in the Same Strip Mall…..:
A location of the Creamistry is opening.
7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
Poki One N Half:
Speaking of critical mass….. Yet another poke (not poki) place.
Yikes…..
This used to be the old Subway location in the same strip mall as Mitsuwa.
8055 Armour St
San Diego, CA 92111
And just in case you need some Camel Milk:
You now get some, albeit frozen at Bristol Farms.
If you're as curious as I am about camel milk, there's some info here. The Missus was really up for buying some, until She saw the $18.99 price tag…… So maybe you can tell us how it is. I've eaten camel and really didn't think it was that good; but we loved riding them in Tunisia.
Revisits: Pho Fusion, Pho Express, and the “Sign of Doom”.
To get this out of the way. Yes, today we had record high temperatures, and yes, I'm still going to post on pho……
Pho Fusion:
It's been a good three years since I last visited, so when the last storm system moved in, I decided to drive on over and see what was up with Pho Fusion. Apparently I wasn't the only one as the place filled up pretty quickly.
I was quite hungry so I started with the "Popcorn Chicken"
The batter t meat ration slides on over to the batter side on this one. If you like that kind of thing, you might enjoy this, as it's very crunchy. The "spicy mayo" was typical. It's not overly salty, but does get a bit crumbly as it cools. The would be pretty good beer food.
The Pho – #14, was decently priced for the area (small – $6.49.)
The sprouts and herbs were minimal, but like previous visits, a request for more was nicely accepted. The broth was slightly cloudy, but not heavy in MSG, the flavor was light, not veering too much in anise nor sweet flavors, though rather light in the beefiness department. It was rather light in protein, of which there was shortage of tendon and tripe. The noodles were in the typical clump, though not over cooked. This was "pho not to offend" on the right side of the scale as was quite evident from the crowd.
The service was nice…..even when that D-Bag of a customer knocked over a glass of water and while the guy was mopping it up told him, "don't forget to get me another glass of water".
Pho Fusion
8038 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
Pho Xpress – Mission Gorge Road:
Man, it's been five and a half years since I last visited, though Cathy's been here about four years ago. I was in the area on a recent morning with some time to kill. A bit hungry, I decided to drop back in to Pho Xpress. The whole strip mall was undergoing an exterior refresh at the time of my visit. This being around 0900, I had the place to my self.
As with our previous visits, the pho was decent, though it's not as rich, nor quite a beefy as it used to be. While the herbs and sprouts were lacking, the basil was especially fresh. The rare steak was presented nicely, not yet overcooked and dry and as a whole everything else was quite good. Not amazing, but quite solid if slightly heavy in MSG. The noodles were perfect.
A decent bowl of pho overall. The service here is still "A-B" – all business.
Pho Xpress
6533 Mission Gorge Rd
San Diego, CA 92120
While leaving the strip mall on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard after my visit to Pho Fusion I took a quick look at the strip mall sign and was quite surprised. Take a look…….
Most of the restaurant listed are gone; some of them have been closed for quite a while…..
In fact, we've posted on the three places listed on the sign that are no longer there, Cathy has done Sushi Hut and I've posted on Aria and Mercury Grill, places that have been gone for years! I think Sushi Hut is not Hielo, Aria is now Chaba Thai and has been for almost three years, and Dumpling Hut took the place of Mercury Grill last June.
What's up with the sign? Could it be the mall owner is being cheap? Could it be that being on the sign is a curse….and they're hedging their bets by just saying "Mexican Restaurant"? Or….perhaps…maybe we're the curse since we posted on those three places and they closed? Hmmmmm…..I think some of the other businesses are gone too……strange…..