mmm-yoso – Page 149 – As in, yoso-silly, yoso-hungry, yoso-full, or best of all; mmm-delici-yoso!!!!! A San Diego based food and travel blog. An Ex-Pat Kama'aina and Friends explore food, restaurants, and travel from San Diego and points beyond.

Covid-19 Takeout – Mien Trung

April 15, 2020 mmm-yoso Bun Bo Hue, Vietnamese Restaurants

Or maybe I should call it SARS-CoV-2; which is the name of the virus that causes Covid-19, which is the disease caused by the virus….well, enough of that.

This past Saturday, I finished up my work by 10 and needed to hit up Carnival Market on the way home for some groceries. The Missus was busy at work and I'd be making dinner, so I wanted something for an early lunch. It suddenly dawned on me that Mien Trung is right down the street. When I've eaten at Mien Trung; I have never failed to notice the bags and pots of take-out stacked up for pick up. I guess it was my turn. I called in my order for Bun Bo Hue and drove the few blocks over after shopping; waltzed in, paid, got my order, and sauntered out the door in less than two minutes.

Things were packed nicely; man, they wrapped up the herbs and veggies in a tight bundle. It practically exploded as I started to unwrap it.

I liked the fact that they included some pretty spicy chili oil and mam tom; which added a nice funky-umami layer to my Bun Bo Hue.

The broth was quite bracing; in fact it started to pop and crackle from the chili-annatto oil as I heated it on the stove top. Lots of lemongrass tones and this was pretty spicy……not too heavy handed in terms of MSG, a nice squeeze of lime added some balance to the broth. The noodles were firm and slippery….I made sure to wear a dark t-short while eating this to avoid the dreaded "red dot syndrome".

Needless to say; it did "hit the spot"…..right between the eyes; especially since the weather, while decent on this day, had been pretty wet and cold (by San Diego standards) than usual over the week.

I'm shocked that I hadn't done take-out from Mien Trung sooner; after all, we've been coming here since 2006 and it felt good supporting a place that's been on our rotation for fourteen years.

Mien Trung Restaurant
7530 Mesa College Dr
San Diego, CA 92111

Covid-19 Takeout – Santouka

April 13, 2020 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Ramen

I've got a couple posts on places that are on my rotation that I managed to do take-out from. Santouka is a favorite of the Missus and I decided to order take-out when I had to drop by Mitsuwa to pick up some groceries. I placed my order….the young lady told me she really liked my "mask" and I told her that it's an improvement over the way I look without it, which cracked her up.

Anyway, they were out of shio ramen, so I got the shoyu….toroniku style of course. After doing my shopping I walked over and my order was waiting on the counter.

Everything was packed really neatly. That pork cheek was so tender and full of soy sauce flavor. The noodles were a bit softer than I prefer…..I'm guessing they didn't travel really well; even though it was packed on the side. Like I mentioned earlier; this was the shoyu version; which is bit too salty for my taste….though I must be missing ramen since I scarfed the darn thing up anyway.

Oh, and one last blessing…..in case you're looking at that tamago and think Santouka has changed their ways….well, no; I made the egg.

This was fine; no muss, no fuss, I was going to Mitsuwa anyway, so there was no extra effort. Though I can't wait to return for a proper bowl once we're over this outbreak.

Santouka Ramen
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd(In the Mitsuwa Marketplace)
San Diego, CA 92111

Our best wishes to all of you for Easter and the season ahead

April 12, 2020 mmm-yoso Cooking

I think it would be disingenuous for me to wish everyone a "Happy Easter"……I believe it's far from that this year. But, in spite of being rather agnostic (long story there…), we still wanted to make sure to wish everyone a safe and healthy day.

The Missus is working today and I had my first full day off since the middle of February. And having a day staying at home….well, I caught up on some cleaning chores, gave Frankie a long overdue bath (he's not talking to me at the moment), and discovered this amazing thing called an afternoon nap.

As for a blow-out Easter meal, well, that isn't happening this year. Instead, I just went and cleaned out the pantry a bit; the extra ham hock I had from Siesel's with a the half pound of Rancho Gordo Cranberry Beans; the half rack of pork ribs and half-pound nixtamalized corn I had left from making pozole, collard greens, potato, zucchini, etc…… And just made a hearty soup.

All the soaking and simmering took most of the day; but I'm sure the Missus will enjoy this when She gets home.

I hope every one is doing well on this Easter, physically and mentally. And like the title of this really short post says.

Our best wishes to all of you for Easter and the season ahead!

And if things weren’t depressing enough – Fire at China Max

April 8, 2020 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants

So, we got Covid-19 going on, had a moderate earthquake five days ago….what else? Well, you all probably know about the fire at China Max…….though it had been a while since we've visited, this still made me quite sad. You see, the first post I ever did, nearly fifteen years ago, was in China Max.

Regardless of how you did or did not enjoy China Max….yes, we've had some not-so-great meals there over the years; you never want to see this happen.

And I understand neighboring businesses like Tasty Pot sustained damage as well.

China Max….may you rise again.

Eating (and Drinking) in the Time of Covid-19 – Take-Out from Poseidon Project and Wa Dining Okan

April 6, 2020 mmm-yoso Beer, Japanese Restaurants, Pizza

A few more take-out orders….

Poseidon Project:

My favorite weekly "pau hana time" stop is now doing take-out pizza, beer, and family meals. So, how can I not support the place?

Mostly stopping to pick up a couple of beers now and then; though the Missus has really taken to the Wild Barrel Vice with Passion Cactus Dragon Fruit. I knew the Missus would enjoy this Berlinerweisse the first time I tasted it. I'm happy to get it for Her while they still have it in stock.

And once in a while; one of their pizzas will hit it out of the park…..

Poseidon Project
4126 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110

Bentos from Wa Dining Okan:

If you're standing in line to get into Nijiya, you can't miss their signs.

I called while waiting in line at Nijiya and ordered the Karaage Bento. When I finished my shopping, I popped in.

While the karaage didn't hold up over the trip back home; I thought this was pretty good.

In fact, I kinda prefer this to my recent sit-down lunches.

And the miso soup was perhaps the best I've had from Okan.

I decided to order again on my last trip to Nijiya and this time ordered the Buta Kakuni.

And while I wish the eggs weren't cooked so much; the pork was surprisingly tender and full of flavor.

I might do this again while waiting in line at Nijiya.

And this post on Okan goes out to "FOY" (friend-of-yoso) ChrisR, who is always the first to gently remind me via email, of how wrong I am whenever I type a negative word on Okan. I hope you and yours are safe and in good health Chris!

Wa Dining Okan
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Take care everyone!

Recently Consumed – Cream of Broccoli Soup and Hasselback Potatoes (sort of a recipe)

April 4, 2020 mmm-yoso Cooking, Recipes

How are you hanging in there? Our hope is that everyone is in good health.

I know for a fact that many folks are cooking like crazy…….trying to keep busy during our "stay at home" during these challenging and unsettling times. We've been trading food with friends.

And the Missus keeps wanting soup.

I have a basic potato-leek soup recipe that I can use as a base for things, like the Cauliflower or Asparagus Soup. So, on this night the Missus wanted Cream of Broccoli Soup, which now, even though I've worked a full day (I've been going in at 530 am to do validation/tasks), I can pull off fairly smoothly.

Though on this night the Missus wanted Hasselback Potatoes….who the heck wants to make that on a weeknight? Aaaand She wanted it topped with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese.

Basically, to form the potatoes….I found some good sized Yukon Golds for this.

You line up two chopsticks on either side of the potato and make thin slices, leaving about a quarter inch of unsliced potato at the bottom.

Since I had made bacon, I strained the fat and brushed on the fat and used Maldon Salt to season the exterior and in between the slices.

I baked in a 425 oven on a rack over a baking sheet.

After 20 minutes, I noticed that the slices had started to separate, so I brushed on a nice coating of what remained of the fat along with some extra virgin olive oil.

After about another 25 minutes, it looked good to go. I turned the oven up to 500 and topped with some smoked cheddar that I had grated. Along with bacon.

After a few minutes it was ready…..but the Missus wasn't……talkin' about killing me!

Anyway, after a short wait, the Missus got Her soup and potato.

Not bad for a Wednesday night.

What have you been eating during these unsettling times?

The Pacific Seafood Mariscos Truck

April 2, 2020 mmm-yoso Food Trucks, Mexican Restaurants, Seafood

I noticed that this Taco Truck is again parked in the lot of V-Outlet, so I thought I'd go ahead and do the post.

A couple of months back, I noticed a Mariscos Truck parked in the lot of V-Outlet.

It's been a while since I recall a Mariscos Truck in the area. So, after a bunch of delays, I managed to make a visit.

It seems to be a nice husband and wife team running this truck. Their young daughter helped mom put the sign and up kept herself amused on the wall in back of the truck.

On this visit, I decided to get one fried and one none fried taco….I really wanted a Gobernador, but didn't see it until after I ordered ("Governor"), so I got a fish taco and a shrimp a la diabla and ate on the hood of my car.

The woman kindly offered me some consommé……

Super hot, though lacking in seafood flavor and too much celery.

The beer battered fish taco was the better of the two.

The tortilla was basic, but decent. The batter on the fish was light and crisp. The fish while not being of the highest quality (what do you expect for two bucks?), was moist and tender. The cabbage was crisp; the tomatoes in the pico….well, wasn't fully ripe, but the textures were nice. not bad.

The Shrimp al la Diabla, wasn't my favorite.

Well, this wasn't very spicy, though those cebollas de habanero had quite a kick and added to the taco. The taco was quite hefty, though there didn't seem to be much shrimp in this and it was fairly greasy and really lacked flavor. The double tortilla was a good idea, but this was just mediocre overall.

Well that fish taco wasn't too bad, so on my next visit a couple of weeks later, I decided to go with something fried (shrimp taco) and the "Governor" (Gobernador). I was again graciously given a cup of the consommé, which tasted the same as on my previous visit.

The Beer Battered Shrimp Taco was probably the best thing I've had from this truck.

There was a good portion of shrimp, like the fish taco, the batter was crisp and fairly light……as before the pico de gallo left something to be desired, but this was pretty good….I'd have it again.

The Gobernador; while not as bad as the Shrimp Diablo left something to be desired.

I did enjoy the avocado, but again there was too much vegetables and "stuff" compared to shrimp, which was overcooked and on the rubbery side. It also was on the greasy side and fairly bland.

Overall, some nice folks, the food is definitely not on par with the Mariscos Trucks in the South Bay. The shrimp taco was decent….I think staying with the fried stuff here might be the way to go.

And yes, I just passed by today and the truck was in the parking lot.

Pacific Seafood Mariscos Truck
In the Parking Lot of V-Outlet
3020 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117

Eating (and drinking) in the Time of Covid-19 – Chicago Fire Grill, Bay Park Fish, and Beer From Harland

March 31, 2020 mmm-yoso Beer, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches, Seafood

How is everyone doing? Here are a couple of stuff-to-go and a couple of cold ones. I'm not going to go into the food much here….it's just not the time for that.

Chicago Fire Grill:

I went to grab a quick lunch for the few souls who are still in the office….plus I wanted to see what "words of wisdom", George, the owner had. Anyway, upon getting there, I ordered from the doorway….George asked me if I could hear him……I told him, "I could hear you from Orange County….."

We all had a zillion calls during the day and with all the self-quarantine, it actually felt good to get out for 20 minutes to grab lunch and scurry back to the office and yet another call.

George says that he'll hang in there; though he wasn't totally sure about the hours….he's trying to keep it going at least for lunch.

Chicago Fire Grill
8935 Towne Centre Dr.
San Diego, CA 92122

Bay Park Fish Company:

During my short shopping stop at Seisel's, I saw this sign in front of Bay Park Fish.

And while BPF has kinda fallen from favor for us over the years; it along with Siesel's were the subject of one of my first posts back in 2005. So I went in and placed an order before I went to Siesel's. When I got out of Siesel's and walked over, my food was ready…….I decided not to take the 30% off and also tip a bit…….it's almost like my responsibility.

Got the shrimp torta and smoked fish stack.

Currently open from noon to 5pm for take-out.

Bay Park Fish Co.
4121 Ashton St.
San Diego, CA 92110

We've been trading food with Frankie's favorite auntie "Alle", who lives close by. One day, she had gone on a "beer run" to Harland and graciously gave some brews.

Here's the Harland Japanese Lager.

And something really special; the Harland MoMo Mochi IPA.

Nice, slightly fruity, mildly sweet, in the session IPA hoppiness scale….very nice Hazy IPA made with…well "Momo" (peaches) of course.

Thanks Alle!

Be safe everyone!

Recently Consumed: The Covid-19 Edition – It’s mostly soup (and beans)

March 27, 2020 mmm-yoso Cooking

Sorry for the time gaps between posts; I've been working quite a bit and after making dinner and stuff, am pretty wiped out.

Anyway; here's a bunch of stuff I did, by request of the Missus….who is working even harder than I am right now.

In my previous post, I had a photo of the roped off area for Seisel's….I basically went there to pick up bacon and the ham hocks, my favorite in San Diego. I used up the bag of red beans from Rancho Gordo and made some Ham Hock and Red Bean Soup.

We've been trading dishes with Frankie's two favorite Aunties and each got some of the soup….Aunte "Alle" said it was really good.

For some reason, the Missus is requesting cream type soups, which are kind of a pain….but She's working really hard….so what the heck.

Her favorite is the Mushroom Soup I make, I'm basically using Jacque Pepin's Creamy Leek and Mushroom Soup recipe; except with more….a lot more mushrooms, both dried, and fresh.

I finally got to use the really high quality porcini we got in Italy. I also use tried and true additions (white wine) and techniques (starting the mushrooms in a dry pan), with twice the amount of dried porcini (1 ounce) and 12 ounces of cremini, with white mushrooms added at the end.

Of course the Missus added truffle oil and extra virgin olive oil….from the bottle we brought back from Avignon.

Of course you saw the cauliflower soup in an earlier post, and I made some potato leek soup, the base of which I used to make Cream of Asparagus Soup….which turned out to be another favorite of the Missus….go figure.

I've gone ahead and used leftover beans and veggies to make Cassoulet/One Pan Dishes as well.

This one is inspired from a recipe in Joe Yonan's wonderful cookbook, Cool Beans.

Much like I do for my Cassoulet, I mix the panko with duck fat….and in this base rendered bacon fat as well before topping the dish.

Having more leftover beans, I added some sausage, sliced zucchini, tomatoes, and red bell peppers….leftovers from other dishes and did kinda the same thing in my small cast iron pan.

I think the next time I make this; I'll forgo the panko and just top with a couple of easy over eggs….cooked in duck fat of course.

And while I forgot to take photos of the potato leek soup I made; I was amazed at how large the potatoes and leeks I bought were…..so I decided to measure them, using Frankie as a reference point.

While I assured "F" that he wasn't part of the recipe….he doesn't look convinced, does he?

Hope everyone is safe and healthy!

Grocery Shopping in the Time of Covid – 19…..Mostly a Bunch of Photos

March 22, 2020 mmm-yoso Markets & Grocers

***** Some really great comments on this post. Check them out!

Unless you've just returned from several months on another planet; you know about our current Covid-19 outbreak. So, I'm just going to mostly go with photos….with just a smidge of text.

The first time I really ran into things was when I needed to make food for Frankie….I needed chicken thighs; I usually get them from Costco…but heck, there's no way I was going to make it in there. So, I tried to find some….going to everywhere from Sprouts….to Smart and Final….to Zion Market…..etc, etc, etc……

I finally found some at Sprouts on Genesee and managed to make him some food….I'm going to have to make more this weekend; but things have gotten a bit under control…..though I think rice (and toilet paper) seem to be in demand.

And soon enough, there were limits placed……

Along with modified hours.

And now, with social distancing in place……there are limits on amount of folks allowed in at once. I first ran into this at Seisels.

Here's the line today at Nijiya around 1030. They are opening at 10am and will close at 6pm.

It was very orderly and wonderful young lady working would ask if you want a basket or wagon and would spray sanitizer on it before turning it over to you.

And overall, I have noticed that people have been kind, thoughtful, and patient……other than that guy at Costco Gas who yelled at me, "you people are why we have Coronavirus". There's always one, isn't there?

And heck, if you're wondering if you have enough TP; you might want to use this tool (???). According to this I should have enough for 48 days at least.

I hope you are all in good health. Hang in there!