yoso-silly – Page 9

Sunday Sandwiches, the Online Ordering Edition – Tadian Cafe, Gourmet Artisan, and SuperNatural Sandwiches

June 26, 2022 mmm-yoso Sandwiches, yoso-silly

I'm not sure if you've been doing this; but over the last couple of months I've been thinking about how Covid has changed our lives and habits over the last couple of years….you know, masks, outdoor dining, checking for crowds, and so forth….. And one of the things that has really taken hold is online ordering. Now, I'm not a fan of those third party companies that upcharge you like crazy for using online ordering…in fact, I was going to order online from EE Nami, when I noticed that there's a $3 upcharge for ordering online! Add that to how prices have increased and gas and sheesh….in that case, I'll just call instead! But, as a whole I like the option of online ordering. It especially comes in handy for lunch.

So, I thought I'd do a bunch of revisits to places I've posted on before…..and order online. I did this over the last two weeks, always ordering between 1030-1115, early in the week; usually on a Monday or Tuesday.

So here goes.

Tadian Cafe:

One of those places that I didn't visit until we were in the middle of the pandemic. I've always ordered online from Tadian, so this was an easy drill. Plus they open at 9am from Monday to Friday. Sadly, they no longer have what had been my favorite sandwich there; the Chinese Sausage Sandwich.

SS Online Tad 01

Since I wasn't a big fan of what I'd had on my last takeout order; I went with the Thai Roast Beef on a toasted French Roll, add jalapenos. As has always been the case, my sandwich is ready right at the designated time.

SS Online Tad 02 SS Online Tad 03 The toasted roll makes all the difference since Tadian can sometimes over sauce/dress their sandwiches. Even though they say that "Thai peanut sauce" is on this sandwich; I tend to think of this as a pseudo Banh Mi because of the pickled carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro. The jalapenos are a must because the amount of bread can really tone down the flavors. Still, it's a pretty good sandwich.

The young lady who works at Tadian is also very nice…..and my package is usually waiting on the counter or just being placed on the counter when I arrive.

Tadian Cafe
5955 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Gourmet Artisan:

Been going here since I noticed the place in the same stripmall as SuperNatural. Things have been a bit inconsistent over my visits, especially with the "parmesan garlic and truffle fries"….which at times did not have any of the above on it or have been really limp even when picking up on time. And these days there's a $3 upcharge if you want the fries. It used to be included.

SS Online GA 01

At first, I thought I'd order a burger, which I thought wasn't too bad on my last visit, but decided on the Prosciutto Sandwich instead….since this was going to be a "sandwiches" post. GA sends you texts in addition to a confirmation email. Though I'm not sold on getting a text telling me my sandwich is ready as I'm already walking to the shop at the designated time. Though everything was ready to go when I walked in. The guy working here is also quite friendly.

SS Online GA 02 SS Online GA 03 The fries were nicely friend and still crisp when I got back to the office. And there's garlic and parmesan….with a light drizzle of truffle oil on them. I do prefer the toasted French roll AG used to use before to the ciabatta, which doesn't seem to hold up quite as well. Granted, this isn't a super-stuffed sandwich, but I prefer proportion, and other than having too much mayo, this was fine. Though this was my least favorite sandwich….I guess I come here for the fries?

Gourmet Artisan
7094 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

SuperNatural Sandwiches:

**** SuperNatural Sandwiches has closed SS Online SS 01

Well, SuperNatural and me go way back to 2013 and the days in the now defunct San Diego Public Market. So, I was quite happy when they opened their first brick and mortar shop on Miramar, fairly close to my office.

Some interesting things about ordering online form SS……first, when placing your order, there's an automatic 40 minute wait; at least that's always what I've encountered. The thing being…..you'll then get get notified that your order is ready, usually in 15 minutes….so there's the fire drill of rushing to your car and heading to pick up your order. Not cool if you've got a call or planning to use that 40 minute window. And then, your order is behind the counter, so you have to wait in line…on this visit there were only two people ahead of me, but it adds to your time. Really, for me, it's not a big deal if I'm ordering a salad or some other sandwich than my favorite, the Siren.

SS Online SS 03

All that sauce will make the bread get kinda soggy.

Add to that some fries, which I really like when hot, but not so much when it gets cold….

SS Online SS 04

SS Online SS 02 SS Online SS 05 Well, you get the point, right? So maybe I just gotta order in person when getting the Siren and/or fries? You know, its been my experience with SuperNatural over the years, that they're usually ahead of the curve. So maybe they'll figure out some great process for their online ordering?

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd
San Diego, CA 92121

So, now it's your turn.

Have you made online ordering a permanent process? And what are some of your favorites….just asking "for a friend" of course!

Sunday Stuffs – Flour Atelier, YikoYiko, and K-Food & Meat Coming to Kearny Mesa. The Bum Statue and Does Okeanos “Move You”?

June 19, 2022 mmm-yoso Bakery, Exploring San Diego, Markets & Grocers, yoso-silly

Here are a couple of "coming soon" places I've seen while doing errands in Kearny Mesa:

Flour Atelier Coming to Hawthorne Crossings:

Aka, the Mitsuwa Marketplace Mall. Saw this when I went to pick some stuffs up recently.

SunS 01

Not sure why this caught my eye….probably the "Atelier" in the name.

Looks like this will be a specialty bakery.

4240 Kearny Mesa Rd.
San Diego, CA 92111

YikoYiko Coming to Mercury Village Shopping Center:

On a recent takeout visit to Sizzling Pot King, I noticed a sign for something called "YikoYiko" in Mercury Village Shopping Center (aka mall with the "Sign of Doom"), next to Chaba Thai.

SunS 02

Not quite sure what this is going to be….but it sure looks like a slice of cake or perhaps cheese?

Stay tuned!

8008 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111

K-Food & Meat Replacing Dduriba:

I saw this earlier today when driving to Nijiya to do some shopping.

SunS 03

Dduriba lasted for quite a while….I'm guessing this is a small market/deli kind of thing?

4425 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111

And from the "not about food files…."

Statue of Bum the Dog:

You know me and random "stuffs", right? I think things have escalated during these Covid times, though folks have called me a "Cesspool of Useless Information" for a good many years. A couple of months back, before our last trip, the Missus wanted takeout from Sovereign Thai. I had forgotten that there was a Padres game on that evening and the only parking I could find was way over on Island, near Fourth Avenue.

Well, at least it gave me a chance to check out a statue I'd been wanting to see. In the courtyard of Davis-Horton House, is the statue of Bum the Dog, who was a stow-away on a ship that arrived in San Diego in 1886. Bum became the unofficial mascot of San Diego with his exploits documented by James Edward Friend who documented many of Bum's exploits.

Bum 01

You'll notice that part of Bum's right leg is missing. During one of his explorations he was hit by a train which severed part of his leg.

This link has Bum's story. I'm posting this right now, because there's a "Edinburgh link" to it. Look for it in an upcoming post!

Getting to the Bottom of Okeanos:

**** Warning, you may not want to read this if you are eating…or even thinking about eating right now.

An acquaintance asked me where my office was located and I mentioned the area. His response was; "oh, are you located by the turd?" The turd?

And then I remembered this post by CC (hoping we get some new posts soon CC!). I decided to perform my "doo" diligence and find out where this was. And lo' and behold, it was a couple of miles from our offices, so I decided to "drop" by on my way home. And yes, there on the corner of John Jay Hopkins Drive and General Atomic Court was the sculpture that was supposed to resemble:

"a rippling curve that seems to spew out of the earth and curl up like a wave"

You be the judge.

Okeanos 01

It was commissioned in 1987 by Scripps Green Hospital for $200k from artist William Tucker. It was then completed and put into place in front of Scripps Green. Apparently, after years of ridicule and earning the nickname the "Scripps Turd", Scripps paid another $40k to have it, ahem…"moved" to location "number two". Where it was dumped stands in "relief" today. And if you want to "grab a stool" and check it out; its on the corner of John Jay Hopkins Drive and General Atomic Court.

Where you can also find this sign….

Okeanos 02

Roadtrip (During Covid) – Forrest Gump Point, Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum, Standing on the Corner….., and Lunch at the Turquoise Room (Winslow, AZ)

May 30, 2022 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Flagstaff/ Sedona/Winslow/Northern AZ, Mexican Restaurants, Road Trip, Travel, Utah, yoso-silly

We had really enjoyed our tour of Mystery and Monument Valley. After returning to the hotel we went back to the gift shop and then went for a walk around the hotel a bit.

There were some really great views from the patio of the closed (because of Covid) restaurant.

Man, it was pretty……

I noticed a sign and well, wouldn't you know it…..

Not wanting to drive, we just had packaged food for dinner.

And of course we awoke very early for the "show"…….

Man, this never gets old…..

We had some nuts and bars for breakfast before heading out. Our next stop was Sedona; but instead of heading South, I headed Northeast on the 163. Why? Well, this was going to be my "fun day". There were a couple of novel, perhaps obscure, and just plain fun stops. A couple of miles south of Mexican Hat is this little stop.

Beautiful scenery isn't it? But I had a reason for stopping here. This is Forrest Gump Point. Recognize it from the movie? This is where Forrest Gump, after 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours decided it was time to stop running.

Heck, I just "needed" to stop here……

Cue up Running on Empty by Jackson Browne!

It's a pretty popular stop.

After a couple of photos we turned around and headed back to Kayenta for one more stop….this time at the Burger King. No, it wasn't to eat, though I did get a Diet Coke. This Burger King was established in 1986 by Richard Mike, whose father was a Navajo Code Talker in World War II. This BK features a Navajo Code Talker Exhibit.

An important part of our history that wasn't even revealed until 1968!

If you're ever in the area please stop by.

Burger King
Highway 160
Kayenta, AZ 86033

From here I headed down the 160 to the 89. Driving thru Flagstaff I went East on I-40. Not the way to Sedona you say? Well, you'd be right. There were a couple of places I had on my "list" and thought this short detour would be fun.

The first I'd read about and thought that perhaps it might be a tourist trap of sorts.

I think folks often mistake this for a state or national type. Depending on your interests, you may or may not enjoy it here. And it's $25 a pop for admission.

There's some nice displays, a movie, and also a 40 minute rim tour if you're so inclined.

For us…well, it was about the giant crater……

A big hole in the ground. More about the crater here.

Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum
Interstate 40 Exit 233
Winslow, AZ 86047

Now the next stop got me quite excited. Depending on your age….well, I'm in the demographic that remembers a certain song. And of course that line:

"Well, I'm a-standing on a corner
In Winslow, Arizona
Such a fine sight to see
It's a girl, my Lord
In a flat-bed Ford
Slowin' down to take a look at me"

Speaking of Jackson Browne and all that.

So our next stop?

Yep, we drove into Winslow, Arizona, parked and strolled to Standin' on the Corner Park. And it was indeed a fine sight to see….heck there was even a mural of a girl in a Flat Bed Ford!

And a Flat Bed Ford parked at the corner as well.

Yes, it's corny, cheesy, cliché, but if you're of a certain age, you'll remember that. And I'm of that age and even the Missus enjoyed this stop.

We saw folks taking photos and selfies. I even went and took a photo of this woman and her pooch….on the corner….in Winslow, Arizona. A fine sight indeed.

Unlike most of the other folks; who just got back into their vehicle after taking their photo, we strolled around town a bit; after all, this is part of historic Route 66.

There was a place I'd read about in Winslow; a hotel that was once a prize jewel and destination during the golden age of train travel, when Fred Harvey and the architect Mary Colter, whom I've mentioned before built a hotel named La Posada which has been restored to it's former grandeur.

We walked on over, strolled around a bit and decided to have lunch in the hotel's restaurant, the Turquoise Room.

It's a beautiful space.

We were quickly seated, the folks working were warm, friendly, and still very professional.

We placed our order and soon some complimentary cornbread arrived.

I ordered the Arizona Grown Vegas Salad Bowl….yes, you read that right. All that National Park Food and "stuffs" had me craving veggies…….yes, it doesn't happen often….

Lovely quinoa (when do you recall me typing that out before?), corn, crisp kale, refreshing jicama…..this really hit the spot.

The Missus really got a winner with the Lamb Posole.

Man, this was so good! Just gamy enough, wonderful lamb flavors; the hominy was cooked perfectly, a hint of spice, a wonderful comforting dish!

One of our favorite meals of the trip. If we're ever back in the area, we'll definitely return here.

Who knew…Winslow….

Turquoise Room (in the La Posada Hotel)
303 E 2nd St.
Winslow, AZ 86047

It was just enough food for lunch.

As we headed out of town, the Missus started up Spotify……and you knew which song She started with, right?

All together now:

"Well, I'm a-running down the road
Tryin' to loosen my load……"

Take it easy everyone!

Saturday Stuffs – Diamond Palace Coming to Rolando, Chef Chin (Convoy) Has Closed, and EE Nami (supposedly) Reopening on June 1st…..now June 8th!

May 28, 2022 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants, Dim Sum, Japanese Restaurants, yoso-silly

I haven't done one of these in a while; so here are a few things I saw during my wanderings.

Diamond Palace Coming to Rolando:

I saw this when I went to Northgate Market to get some ingredients to make pozole for the Missus.

In the former location of Lucky Star. A quick check when I got home yielded this post by Eater San Diego. Apparently a new Dim Sum/Chinese BBQ place run by the folks behind Golden Island. Hmmmm, based on my last couple of revisits to the place…albeit of the takeout category, I'm just not overly excited. Hopefully, I'm way off base on this.

3893 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105

Chef Chin Has Closed:

I noticed that most of the windows on Chef Chin were covered when I drove past so I pulled into the parking lot.

And yep, they are apparently closed……

Haven't heard anything about what this location is going to be yet……

4433 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

EE Nami Closed for Plumbing Repairs, set to Reopen on June 1st , now June 8th - Supposedly:

*** Update – thanks to "FOY" Derric; it now seems that June8th is the date! Thanks Derric!

After returning from Paris and Scotland I was craving some Tonkatsu. I hadn't done takeout from EE Nami in a while, so I thought I'd do a takeout order. I checked online and found that they were "temporarily closed", which is sometimes a bad sign. So I drove on by on the way home and saw this posted on the door.

Apparently there's some plumbing work going on and according to this, they should reopen on June 1st….which is like next week! Great. Except that the multiple UPS notices on the door kinda worries me a bit?

Hopefully I'll get my tonkatsu next week.

EE Nami
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117

Hope everyone is having a restful Memorial Day weekend!

mmm-yoso makes 17 or post #4731

May 26, 2022 mmm-yoso yoso-silly

I was sitting at my desk, having some poke from The Market at HFS…….

When I took a look at my calendar and suddenly realized we were going to make 17!

My goodness how time flies. At home I did a quick count and this is post 4731….who'd have thunk, back in 2005 that we'd still be around?

I think the date usually slips my mind because we'd usually be traveling during this time of the year. Of course we've been derailed by Covid and this year, when we finally decided to take the plunge it was earlier in the month.

It has indeed been a rough couple of years and I really need to thank all of you for stopping our our little blog; for humoring my scribbling, my weird sense of humor, and for taking the time out to visit and comment.

It's been our little "food and travel diary" for 6,210 days!

You all keep this blog alive; not me. I treasure all our "F(riends) O(f) Y(oso)" – thank you for being one!

I hope everyone is doing well!

And thank you again for being a part of our little blog!

Take care!

Paris (2022) – Circling Back to Arnaud Nicolas and Romance is Alive in the City of Lights

May 21, 2022 mmm-yoso France, French Restaurants, Paris, France, Travel, yoso-silly

We had a nice little nap after our lunch at Ippudo. Also, we had dinner reservations in the 7th and of course the Missus would want to walk there and back, so we'd be putting in a few miles on this day….I wanted to get in a bit of rest.

I knew that our walk to Arnaud Nicolas was going to be about 3 miles each way and we had reservations for right when they opened at 7pm. So we headed out at around 530 to give us some time to window shop, dawdle, and make stops to check things out.

Sunset was after 9pm in Paris, so it still looked like a bright and sunny Saturday. Look how busy it was along the Seine.

We actually took a longer route because the Missus wanted to see how things were coming along at Notre Dame.

Things were much more calm in the 7th……

We got to Arnaud Nicolas right at opening time. Arnaud Nicolas had sort of become a tradition for us since we first ate here at the end of 2017. We made it a point to try and revisit whenever we could. We had reservations for our last night in Paris back at the end of 2019, but due to getting stranded by the transit strike we never made it. So we were looking forward to this meal. Once seated we noticed a couple of things…..the staff, though still friendly were not quite up to snuff….our Server was so nice, but really couldn't tell us about the wine or even the dishes…I'm guessing Covid staff shortages and such. The place also filled up quite quickly, which is not the norm in Paris where folks eat a bit later…..after a few moments it became quite clear, all the customers were either Ex-pats or tourists.

Listening in to what folks ordered was interesting as no one ordered any charcuterie; which to us is what Arnaud Nicolas winner of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) at the young age of 24 was known for. And soon, again probably due to Covid staffing, the three staff were pretty much in the weeds.

As for us……this is what we got…

The Asperges Vertes – green asparagus dish was fine.

The asparagus, in season during our visit was sweet and tender, the egg yolk added a creamy-richness, though the popcorn seemed a weird addition; perhaps it was added for texture, but it really didn't seem to belong in this dish.

Of course the Foie Gras Mi-Cuit was delicious.

Perfectly textured, with a wonderful balance of offal-sweet tones, it's one of my favorites versions.

Sadly, another favorite of mine, the Pate en Croute of pork and foie gras really fell short. In the past, it was the crisp, light pastry that really made this a favorite of mine. This time it was really hard and chewy….it was even difficult to cut! It was also very cold, which detracted from the flavors as well.

The Fromage de Tete – head cheese also wasn't quite the same as before as it lacked the complex combination of flavors from the different porky pig head parts…..it was strangely on the bland side. We were happy to have the nice and punchy Sauce Gribiche on hand.

The Missus had always enjoyed the Rum Baba here and I was relieved that She still liked it.

While I had a Calvados as my digestif.

Overall, we were a bit disappointed with this meal….perhaps we had expected too much…perhaps Covid had really affected supplies…..we did give the place a pass on the service because of it.

Perhaps next time we'll just order takeout from the deli and have a foie gras picnic.

Arnaud Nicolas
46 Avenue de la Bourdonnais
75007 Paris, France

After dinner, the Missus wanted to see one of Her favorite views of the Eiffel Tower, so we headed across the Seine to the area around Trocadero.

Where She snapped a ton of photos.

I noticed how peaceful things looked along the Seine so we went down the stairs and walked along the river; where we came across something wonderful.

A group of folks had gathered both on the sidewalk above and along the river.

There was a sign was set-up, candles, photographers, a violinist! Music was playing! All with a view of the Eiffel Tower!

A nervous looking gentleman in a suit paced back and forth……it looks like a marriage proposal was going to happen.

As time passed more people gathered…all here to watch the spectacle. All strangers sharing in a special moment.

We figured that the proposal was to go down when the when the lights of the Eiffel Tower were sparkling!

How romantic!

That time came and went…..it seems the bride to be was a bit late.

Regardless, a few minutes later, a young lady appeared on the walkway and covered her mouth in surprise as she saw the sign…….we all cheered at her arrival. The Missus has an actual video of this, but it was kind of on the dark side, so I didn't include it.

The music played, the crowd cheered, and I'm fairly certain she said "yes".

We were thrilled to have seen this…….

The Missus and I kept smiling during our walk back to the apartment.

Romance is indeed alive in the "City of Lights". Wouldn't you agree?

A Takeout Revisit to The Congress Cafe and a Visit to the Memorial to Lucy, the White Deer of Mission Hills

April 24, 2022 mmm-yoso Breakfast/Brunch, Exploring San Diego, Venezuelan Food and Restaurants, yoso-silly

**** Congress Cafe in now Encuentro Cafe – Same Owners/Menu. You can read an updated post here.

Every so often, I'll go ahead and do a takeout revisit to Congress Cafe. The food is not quite on the same level as Mi Pana in my opinion, but who knows, I haven't been back there since before Covid. I really like the friendly folks at Congress Cafe and as that earlier post mentions, I enjoy walking around Old Town early in the morning before the crowds descend on the place.

It's always the same drill, I order at the Hostess Stand, go back to the bar area to pay; let the staff know that I'm going for a short walk to "earn" my Arepa. I usually get the Arepa Pabellon – still $13.95.

I'll return after about 15 minutes and take my Arepa somewhere………it's usually nearby Heritage Park, which never seems busy even on weekend mornings. I'll sit among the Victorian Homes …..

Or watch the dogs frolicking in the large open field….sometimes I see folks prepping for a wedding in the city's first Synagogue. It's peaceful and relaxing.

And the Arepa Pabellon from Congress Cafe has improved over time.

And while it's not quite as "super stuffed" it's a more balanced these days; at least to me. Sweet plantains, slightly milky cheese, earthy black beans, and moist shredded beef. I do wish the arepa was a bit more crisp, but this'll do.

Plus, like I mentioned earlier; everyone here is so warm and friendly.

Breakfast of champions, right?

The Congress Cafe
3941 Mason St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 8am – 2pm
Sa – Sun 8am – 3pm

On this morning, I was a bit later than usual, so I decided to check out one of my favorite spots in the area. Last summer, in the midst of going crazy with all the "Covid happenings" and missing all of our travels, I started doing some of what I'd call Urban Walks, like the Seven Bridges Walk I posted on. While doing a bit of research, I came across this post from back in 2016. The part that really caught my attention was the mention of "Lucy the White Deer if Mission Hills". Not sure if this was really true, I checked and found this Parks and Recreation report from 2006:

"This female white fallow deer roamed the hills of Mission Valley, Mission Hills,and Presidio Park. This doe escaped from the San Diego Zoo around 1965 and wandered free in Presidio Park for the next ten years."

Which sent me down into a rather shallow rabbit hole and a couple of interesting posts, some mentioned the albino deer escaping from the San Diego Zoo (of course this was denied), another saying that due to over-crowding issues, the San Diego Zoo sold the deer to someone in Mission Hills and the deer escaped. Whatever the story, I was hooked, heck even the San Diego History Center has a "memorial collection" on the deer, named Lucy.

According to the Ranger Report:

"The deer was spotted attempting to cross the I-8 freeway, and some locals reported seeing the deer get hit by a vehicle. Tragically, in the effort to catch the deer, Animal Control used a tranquilizer dart, which ultimately led to the deer’s death in December, 1975."

From what I read in various posts, Lucy was treasured and became sort of a mascot for the community. In fact, some of the "old timers" in the area said that Lucy's ghost haunts the area and they still see her on occasion.

Atlas Obscura mentions that over 125 people attended the service and burial of Lucy.

A fund was created and in 1976 a monument was completed dedicated to Lucy on the spot where she is buried.

So, where is this monument/memorial? You might be surprised. Have you ever driven west on Taylor Street parallel to the I-8? Right before the street to get to the Presidio you might have seen this. I was happy that the gate was open on this day.

I've heard the area on top of the hill is called "Inspiration Point", but I believe it's also called Presidio Park. I've often seen folks taking wedding photos on the platform with a view that sits on one side of the parking lot.

On the other side is this hilly green area.

And of course the views to Mission Valley are quite nice.

As you walk a bit higher you'll see a bench and three stones…..

This is the bench…..

And right next to the bench is the monument.

There's a concrete slab, with various animal footprints carved into it surrounding a watering hole.

And this plaque, which says:

“The White Deer of Mission Hills. Bliss in solitude beneath this tree, formless, silent, spirit free.

A friend.”

Such a wonderful tribute to a beloved member of the community.

Have a great week!

Sunday Stuffs – Tenkatori Replacing TJ Dumplings, Tan Ky Mi Gia Has Closed, and Do Mushrooms Communicate with Each Other???

April 10, 2022 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants, yoso-silly

Well, after the recent record heat we had here in San Diego I was going to put up a sandwich post….but now it's back to the mid-60's here……so let's just do a short round up, ok?

Tenkatori Replacing TJ Dumplings:

I had read about Tenkatori replacing TJ Dumplings last Monday and was waiting to drive on by to check things out.

I then read about the change on two other websites and "FOY" Junichi mentioned it in the comments of my Chicken Wing Wednesday post as well. So, since I wanted to do another revisit/price check at GyroGrill, I dropped by Miracrest Plaza to see what was going on. Well, TJ Dumplings does indeed looked closed and as I left GyroGrill with my lunch, a truck pulled up and some folks went into the space and started doing some work. So yes, it looks like TJ Dumplings is gone and now I can cross off visiting Tenkatori in Gardena off my list.

6780 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Tan Ky Mi Gia Has Closed:

Per "FOY" Elle (what would I do without all of you???) in the comments of my recent 777 Noodle House revisit post; mentioned that Tan Ky Mi Gia on ECB closed a while back. Man, talk about a a blast from the past. My last visit there was at the end of 2019; which seems like decades ago. Of course, I used to visit when it was, well Tan Ky Mi Gia, then when it became Hing Ky Mi Gia, then returned to being Tan Ky Mi Gia….I think; though on my last visit the menu and the sign on the street still said Hing Ky Mi Gia….go figure. The folks working were always the same though…

So, on my way to Northgate Market to pick stuff up to make Pozole, I dropped by and it is indeed closed. Sad, it seems like the end of an era……I still remember posting on Tan Ky Mi Gia in Mira Mesa all the way back in 2006 which closed in 2014 and became Tim Ky.

5237 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Do Mushrooms Communicate with Each Other?:

And here's one from the "I am a cesspool of useless information" files (at least that's what a friend of mine "back home" called me). Read an interesting article in the Guardian where a Professor from the University of the West of England theorizes that mushrooms communicate via electrical impulses. Whoa….

Of course I instantly wondered what the mushrooms I used in any number of my recipes thought of me? I truly hope they thought I was a "fun-guy"…ok, I hit my limit of dad jokes for today.

Have a great week!

Saturday Stuffs: Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken, the Sign for Kumo is up, and Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa

April 2, 2022 mmm-yoso American/New American Restaurants, Exploring San Diego, Japanese Restaurants, Sandwiches, Thai Restaurants, yoso-silly

Just a couple of things for a damp and chilly Saturday.

Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken:

I had been wondering when I'd see signs (no pun intended) that the Hot Chicken fad was hitting saturation point. Well, on a recent visit to City Heights I drove past what is now the former location of FireBirds Chicken. It looks like it'll be replaced by "Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant".

So, like Poke Bowls, Ramen, Korean Style Hot Dogs………

4155 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105

The Sign for Kumo Is Up:

Back in June of last year, I read that a Japanese Sando shop was opening in the Plaza Sorrento Food Court. According to what I read, both in the Eater post and on what I'm assuming is the businesses website, it was going to open during the summer of 2021.

During my visits to Nanay's and Sue's Korean Kitchen I took a look around and did see empty businesses but no definite sign of the place.

Fast forward to my last last visit to Sue's….well, there it was.

The shop is actually suite 108, right next to Sue's.

I'm guessing all this Covid-ness and such has caused a delay in the opening.

6755 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121

Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa:

I'm finally starting to get out a bit more; though I'm still a bit cautious and "gun shy".

Recently, after doing some shopping at Nijiya; I decided to take "the long way home", via Aero Drive. For a few years our office was located near Montgomery Field. But I really never visited the area much once we moved our offices. And since Covid, other than a single takeout visit from Kokoro; I can't say I've been in the area at all.

So, I decided to just take a quick drive to see how things are.

Just along Aero Drive; well, there are noticeable changes. The long time Argentinian restaurant Pampas Grill closed in 2019 and the spot is still empty.

Though Pear's Thai, which was previously Ka Ti Thai is still there.

Down on Murphy Canyon Road; well, there's a lot more changes.

Pho SaiGon Bliss is now Luxe Boba & Tea.

3755 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

And the mall seems to have a lot of vacancies.

And the Sizzler closed down in 2020, around the time the chain filed Chapter 11. This space is also still empty.

I believe there's one location left in San Diego….not that I'm going to plan on eating there anytime soon. Though Sizzler was a regular stop after working the evening shift back home in Honolulu, though that location closed down years ago as well.

It does seem things are a lot more stable around the strip mall off Sandrock and Greyling.

I'm sure "Mr Z" will be happy to note that Thai Pepper Cuisine is still open! Hope all is well Mr Z!

3361 Sandrock Road
San Diego, CA 92123

And both Kokoro and Maggie's Cafe are still open.

3232 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123

And heck, I passed this business with the Grand Opening sign……but no other signage….I'll check them out; along with Soup Du Jour (formerly Carve Modern Deli) hopefully soon.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Midweek Meanderings – The Missus is Juicing (from Stehly Farms), Kumi Cafe Replacing Chopstix Too, and Saying Goodbye to Chowhound

March 9, 2022 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Markets & Grocers, yoso-silly

Some "stuffs" for a Wednesday.

The Missus is Juicing (from Stehly Farms):

Sorry, couldn't help it. The Missus has been wanting fresh juices and it seems that only Stehly Farms fits the bill. Sadly, the the Morena location closed at then end of 2020. So, Kensington, here I come.

The young lady who works the juice bar on weekends is so sweet; I think her name is Joanna.

I've been going almost every week…..she knows my name now….sheesh….

Anyway, she works really hard in making fresh squeezed carrot and beet juice for the Missus.

The Missus blends the juices with some stuffs….I think tumeric, etc….and either Grapefruit or Blood Orange juice. Super healthy!

It's one Her latest "things"……..

Stehly Farms Market
4142 Adams Ave.
San Diego, CA 92116

Kumi Cafe Replacing Chopstix Too:

Well, I hadn't been to Mitsuwa in a while. So I dropped by to do some shopping and was surprised to see that Chopstix Too was gone! Whoa, this one was a surprise. Over the years Cathy has posted on Chopstix Too several times, the last time back in January of 2019. Heck even Vicky did a post back in 2009.

I did a quick search online and found this from Eater. So perhaps another ghost kitchen is going brick and mortar?

Sadly, it's the end of an era it seems.

4380 Kearny Mesa Rd.
San Diego, CA 92111

Saying Goodbye to Chowhound:

Talk about the end an era……

I was looking thru some CH posts and found this post. If you don't want to follow the link; here a bit of the post:

"After 25 incredible years of sharing culinary insights and mouth-watering recipes, we are saddened to inform you that Chowhound will be closing down on Monday, March 21, 2022.

This incredibly difficult decision is due to limitations in the capabilities and resources required to maintain the site on an ongoing basis. Rather than allowing the site experience to degrade, we have opted to close down the site."

I'm certain many of you have never heard of Chowhound….but for me, it was a nice source of dining information after we moved to San Diego in 2001. I had read some stuff when we lived in the SGV, but it became a good source for dining info for San Diego. Of course there were many changes over the years and participation waned…….I'll just leave it at that.

I have met some great folks from CH and after hosting a CH dinner at Ba Ren I met the wonderful Ed from Yuma and we became fast friends.

I think my FOY "Candice" put it best; it's "the end of an era". 'Nuff said.