mmm-yoso – Page 157 – 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.

Sichuan City (Mira Mesa)

December 2, 2019 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back after the long Thanksgiving weekend. Kirk and His Missus are still enjoying their country hopping vacation and Cathy is holding down the fort here in San Diego.

In the first San Diego H-Mart location, the north end of the parking lot has been home to three restaurants; one has changed names a few times recently. It had been Golden State Seafood (where Faye used to go with family) for more than 20 years and then in early 2018 the owners sold and it changed to Spicy Hut, which abruptly changed the name in May of 2018 to Sichuan City (it's the same owner).

As with all Szechuan restaurants, there's an area of Cold Dishes to choose from, located in the dining area. A plate is $7 with up to three choices.
On this visit, we chose only two- the smoked chicken and smacked cucumbers. We munched on the flavorful smoked chicken and tried a few cucumbers while waiting for our order. The garlic-y crisp cucumbers were saved to accompany the meal.
On another visit, we shared an onion pancake ($3.99) with our meal. Wonderfully layered and light crispiness complimented that meal and the onion flavor was not overpowering. Juicy Dumplings ($8.99) were fresh made and did have a thin skin, with only one losing it's soup filling when I accidentally tore it when lifting from the papered steam basket. The soup filling itself was flavorful and the pork filling was meaty; a good sized bite. The single cooked noodle soup (rice noodle) ($7.99) was a good choice one chilly day. Ground pork, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro and green onion along with a rich flavorful broth rounded out the bowl, complimented by the round and thick chewy noodles.
The fish filet in garlic brown sauce ($12.99) included tofu and mushrooms as well as carrot and onion. A filling plate of garlic goodness. We did order a side of rice ($1.50) to go with this (well, to go with the sauce) and the plate was a meal in itself.
Shredded pork with pickled vegetable ($10.99) was not quite what we expected, but it was good. (I had expected pickled vegetables like those on top of the noodle soup, above). The pork, by itself…I could taste the flavors, including ginger, and it was a good stir fry of pork. Those fresh chilis…good (and sweet/spicy) on their own, but when combined with a bite of pork, overwhelmed all other flavors. Not really a complaint (the menu did show two chilis indicating heat) but the fresh chilis were a surprise. We did take home leftovers and separated the chilis from the pork and the heat level was just right for a second meal.

We will be back to try more of the menu Faye's post includes photos of the whole menu, linked here

Sichuan City 9460 E8 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego 92126 (in the HMart parking lot). (858) 578-8818 Mon-Fri 11-3, 5-9:30 Sat-Sun 11-9:30

Where in the world are we part 2

November 30, 2019 mmm-yoso Travel

So, we’ve had a bit of a whirlwind couple of days.

From our arrival to a vibrant seaside city.

With some amazing sunsets……

And food, both traditional…..

To modern…..

To visiting an ancient fortification on a plateau that I had read about in elementary school.

And then visiting the lowest land based elevation in the world. That afternoon had us crossing the border into another country to see amazing sights.

And then visiting what was my favorite locale the next day. An area where the subject of one of my mother’s favorite movies of all time was based.

I’ve been using the word “amazing” way to much, I know.

After some crazy flight delays and such, we’re now at our next stop. Where we’ve met some of the nicest and have had encounters with some of the rudest, self-righteous, folks we’ve come across in our travels. But, this is a complicated and confusing part of the world. So we’ll focus on the positive. The history here is breathtaking, the bread, in all forms the best we’ve encountered.

And it’s dinner time, so I’m signing off.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

November 28, 2019 Cathy yoso-silly

It is finally THE day.

Maybe you are busy preparing your home and a meal to welcome family and/or friends or are just preparing a side dish to take along to a feast elsewhere or maybe you are busy getting ready to go to work or just relaxing at home alone. This last Thursday of the month is a day to reflect, give thanks and the 'official' beginning of a busy holiday season.

While Kirk is off in foreign lands, enjoying wonderful meals with His Missus, Cathy and The Mister have already prepared two complete turkey-centric Thanksgiving meals since October and also aren't going to have a 'traditional' meal today.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at mmm-yoso!!!

Eat A Pita (El Cajon)

November 26, 2019 Cathy Greek Food, What Cathy Eats!

The writer of mmm-yoso!!! today is Cathy, because Kirk (and His Missus) are on vacation, gathering photos and memories of lovely meals.

In August, a new restaurant opened in the Vons-anchored mall on Avocado at Chase in El Cajon. The Mister and I found ourselves at Eat A Pita a few weeks ago and decided to drop in for lunch.

Walk in, order, pay, get your own beverage, find a seat. Food is brought to you. The interior is spacious, with many seating areas.
A cup of lentil soup ($3.50) was an automatic choice. The flavor with herbs and spices and the well cooked lentils, was fresh and just a wonderful soup.
On another visit, I tried a cup of the lemon rice soup, which was even nicer, with the fresh lemon 'zip'. Each bowl included a fresh, warm pita half, which went well with each soup.
A side order of falafel with tzatziki ($3.99) was also an automatic order for me, and another great choice. Lightly crisp exterior and fluffy, herby interior of mashed garbanzos along with the house made yogurt-cucumber dip, was just a perfect addition to one of the meals.
The Mezza Trio ($6.99). I chose the classic hummus, tabouleh and baba ghanoush. This was a nice way to try a few items on the menu without ordering full sizes. Each item was definitely fresh made and bright with flavor. The classic hummus was very fresh; the Greek olive oil is unique and the tahini with its sesame stood on its own, with the garlic not being overpowering. The olive oil and lemon dressing on the tabbouleh made the parsley, tomatoes and finely chopped cucumber flavors jump while the crunch from the cracked wheat bits rounded out the texture. The ghanoush had a great smoky flavor, great tahini/sesame flavor and smooth texture. I was eating it with a spoon and not using the accompanying pita bread.
The Mediterranean salad ($6.25-make it a large, add $2.54=$8.79), add on gyros ($2.50) made a large, satisfying meal (the bowl is deep). The salad has chickpeas, olives, cucumber and a large topping of tabbouleh along with crispy pita chips. The addition of gyros filled out the bowl. Everything, again, was so very fresh.
We were here on a Saturday, when the Pita of the Day was Chicken Souvlaki ($6) (you can see the daily pitas above and in front of the menu which is on the wall in the second photo above). Moist, flavorful nicely grilled chicken pieces; a great souvlaki. It was topped with a mild tahini. We did ask for a sample of the garlic sauce,
which was also complimentary to the flavors, but I think unnecessary overall.

We'll be stopping here to try more of the menu.

Eat a Pita 1255 Avocado Avenue (at Chase)(SE corner) El Cajon 92020 (619)447-1500 Website Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri-Sat 11-10, Thursday 11-6, Sunday 11-11

Where in the world are we?

November 25, 2019 mmm-yoso Travel

Yep. It’s that time again. We needed to get away for a bit. The Missus picked a couple of new places to visit. But of course, we started with Her favorite.

And, since it’s that time of the year, we also went to check out our favorite Christmas displays.

We also stayed in what has become our favorite location in the city…..for now.

While we were there for only two days, we managed to squeeze in one day trip

And along we continuing to sample the croissants…..

We managed to have a few meals. Ranging from traditional…..

To a place that is new and rather “hot”…..

To an established Michelin starred restaurant helmed by a Japanese chef.

And while we’ve moved on…..we’re still eating well.

Though I’m trying not to make a pig of myself,

Thanks for stopping by!

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Road Tests #5 and #6, breakfasts at Michael’s Superburgers (Irwindale) and other (regular) stops

November 24, 2019 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Bakery, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a food blog. So many events revolve around finding a place for a meal. Cathy (and Her Mister) have a regular pastime of viewing the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade floats being tested for mechanics and maneuverability before being decorated and participating in the Parade on January 1. Here's another post.

The Tournament of Roses is only a few weeks away. There are so many activities which will happen the week between Christmas and January 2- you can find comprehensive and updated listings in The Rose Examiner. The tournament is not just the Parade and the football game; there is Bandfest, Equestfest, Sip and Savor, Rose Bowl Bash, Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Induction and the Showcase of Floats. So much to see and do to ring in the New Year!

The past few months have been unusually busy for The Mister and myself that I didn't post the October Float Road Test at Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale. Here are a few photos (some are 'before and after') of both test days.

"Planting Seeds of Hope", presented by the Sikh American Float Foundation, describes the 2020 float: "Bhai Ghaneya Singh, a devout Sikh, leads the float as he symbolically pours water from his sheepskin vessel. He is remembered for his selfless service to all humanity with love, respect, compassion and humility. The water flows onto large sculpted flowers each supporting children from diverse backgrounds. A fantasy garden provides the backdrop to a nurturing environment in which we celebrate our greatest hope for the future….our children." Each year, I learn something from the Sikh float.
The SCAN Foundation has a float in the Rose Parade for the first time. The title of "Hope's Heroes" reflects the definition of this organization, "an independent public charity devoted to transforming care for older adults in ways that preserve dignity and encourage independence".
Shriners Hospitals for Children has the theme of "Hope Knows No Limits" and features Fezzy Bear pushing a young girl, with a below the knee prosthesis, on a swing.
Trader Joe, the Fearless Flyer, is depicted on the 2020 float, "It Takes a Flight of Fancy"…
spinning in a pickle barrel!Western Asset's 2020 Rose Parade entry, "Growing a Better Tomorrow" is quite a large float, depicting a series of tree houses in an exotic setting. Magnificent!
The 'Banner Float" is colored in and ready to be decorated to display the theme of the parade at the start.
The final two floats of the parade
will relay the upcoming Tournament of Roses Rose Bowl football game, to be played at 2 p.m. on January 1.

Decorating (dry/detail) begins Saturday December 7 (and the following Saturdays before Christmas) then the fresh flowers arrive and daily decorating from December 26 forward. There are links to sign up for volunteering on the Phoenix Decorating Company site.

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On to the Food portion of the blog. In October, The Mister and I stopped at 'the usual' place- Cream Pan in Tustin for a sandwich, a ham and cheese croissant and a strawberry croissant. After the float road test, we (again) returned to Portos in West Covina, where we shared an "Omelette Plato" ($6.45)-a cheese omelette topped with avocado and tomato which comes with crispy Spanish potatoes and an arugula salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. Filling, refreshing and there's enough room for other items…since this was the last weekend of October,
Dia de los Muerto decorated cookies and Pan de Muertos were purchased. The soft, eggy bread was filled with candied orange peel and orange blossom water; a wonderful bread.

Also, seasonal potato balls were available: filled with turkey, gravy and vegetables, rolled in a well seasoned crust, these are a very special treat (and only $1.05!). [photo credit to canine cologne]

We stopped at the Kolache Factory yesterday and the seasonal turkey with stuffing kolache was available (along with our 'always order' of a bacon and cheese kolache). Seasonal offerings are always special.

When leaving the Road Test, we went one signal light South and then East to the next signal light. On the Southwest corner of Arrow Highway and Vincent, this signage made me take a turn into the parking lot.
The breakfast menu behind the counter is straightforward.
I haven't ordered a bacon and egg sandwich ($6.99) in a while; have forgotten what I am missing. White bread, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, four thick slices of crispy bacon and a beautiful runny egg. Simple perfection.
The Mister ordered a chili cheese omelet ($9.99). At least there eggs, filled with cheese, topped with a really good chili that was topped with more cheese. Again, perfection. His toast was sourdough, the hash browns were wonderfully crisp.

Need to stop at the local places; follow the New Year Resolution.

Michael's Superburgers 16350 Arrow Highway Irwindale, CA 91706 Open daily 6 a.m.-midnight Website

The Cowboy Channel has a float in the parade; it's under construction. Link to artist rendition of some of the 2020 Rose Parade floats

Andell’s Bakery and Kitchen (Rancho Penasquitos)-Filipino and Vietnamese (and cake)

November 23, 2019 Cathy Bakery, Filipino Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! on this busy weekend before Thanksgiving. Kirk is taking a break (with His Missus) and Cathy is writing for a few days.

Another day of driving without a plan. The Mister and I took the 56 to Rancho Penasquitos Boulevard and drove straight on Carmel Mountain Road to the first light and into the mall on the North. There were few lunch choices: a coffee shop, a taco shop and this 'bakery'.

There were some signs in the window and a sandwich board out front. Of course we walked in.
Menu boards behind the ordering area,
also on the wall…a few tables and counter eating spaces inside. We found a great variety of choices for lunch.
The Daily Specials (only on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) listed Kang Kai Kole (a South Thai chicken curry) ($8.99) this day. Southern Thai food is essentially mild and Kang Kai is a simple curry paste, made with fresh ingredients (not a packet of paste)- Here is a recipe. This curry from Andell's was thick and very fresh tasting (there were bits of ground coriander in the curry paste along with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric along with the salty shrimp paste and a bit of tamarind and some sweet from palm sugar). There was a whole chicken thigh, carrots, onion and potato over a nice amount of (a better quality) rice. This curry is a new favorite.

Since it was Friday (when I don't eat meat) and also because it looked good, a Pandesal with sardines and olives ($4.50) was my order. The bread is baked fresh here. It was perfect, toasted and filled with the mashed mix of sardine with olives. Just large enough for a meal without leftovers.
There is signage everywhere for The Original Londres Sponge Cake, so I ordered a slice ($3.75). The flavors available were durian and pandan. We do like coconut. This sponge cake, filled with a fresh Bavarian Cream was very large (we took half home) and very flavorful, with a perfect sponge and a perfect cream.

Definitely will stop to try other flavors of Londres, along with other menu items. This family owned (and open since 2007) bakery and kitchen is a gem of a neighborhood find.

Andell's Bakery and Kitchen 9926 Carmel Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92129 (858)538-8308 Website Open Wed-Sun 7 am-2 pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday

Tea Station-another post

November 21, 2019 Cathy Taiwanese Food and Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!. Kirk has been posting a lot lately and is taking a break from blogging to catch up with things. Cathy is writing today.

There have been a few posts here about Tea Station: briefly mentioned in 2007 then I finally wrote a post in 2011, 2012, third post in 2013, and most recently in 2016, a 'regular' stop for The Mister and myself when we are in the area.

You can walk in and order 'to go', or step to the right, find a table and seat yourself. Menus are delivered quickly.
We always order a pot of tea which is brewed to order. This visit, it was Pu-Erh (a smoky black tea with camomile) ($6.25). Brisk, refreshing and so very good.
There are several menu choices which you can order as a "Set" (rice plus a trio of sides of the day) for an additional $5. This day, the order was the Garlic Wing Set ($11.75). The wings-crispy and garlic-y skin, meaty and moist wings. As always, a quality steamed rice. The Set was a wonderful potato salad, a toothsome cooked cabbage sort-of-slaw and a meaty curry with tofu. Quite a lot of food.

The beef dumpling soup ($13.75) was served in a deep bowl, topped with preserved vegetables.
The soup was also filled with vegetables and the dumplings (ten) had a definite tea infusion/flavor.

Always tasty and satisfying food and tea here, with a wide variety of menu selections.

Tea Station 7315 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 268-8198 Open 11:30-midnight daily Website

Sunny Side Kitchen (Escondido)

November 20, 2019 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog, with most posts written by Kirk. Cathy writes posts when Kirk needs a break. Today, it's Cathy's turn.

The Mister and I were in Escondido and turned onto a side street (Orange Street), noticed a few tables on the sidewalk with a sandwich board menu. We had to stop.

Sunny Side Kitchen started out as a stand at North County Farmers Markets in 2013 and then migrated to popping up at various North County breweries and eventually moved into this brick and mortar location in 2015. It's open from 6:30-2:30 Monday-Saturday (and does a lot of local catering).

Walk in, check out another menu board as well as the wall menu, order, pay and find a seat. Your food will be brought to you. There are four tables and some barstools inside and three tables out front.
We were here on Friday, when the Soup of the Day ($4) was clam chowder. A wonderful, lighter version (still creamy, but not gloppy), filled with potato, celery, onion and plenty of canned clams, this did nt need any condiments added in- usually salt and pepper are needed and this soup was just perfectly seasoned.
The Quiche of the Day ($5.75) was green chili and was *wonderful*-like a chile relleno; cheesy, eggy, fluffy with strips of green chile. The no crust quiche made it a 'lighter' meal.
One of the sandwich boards had a "Thanksgiving Salad" listed and we ordered the half size ($6.75). The bowl it was served in is deceptively deep and there was plenty of turkey in between all the mixed greens, along with some onions, raisins, candied pecans, craisins and blue cheese. The cranberry citrus vinaigrette was complimentary to all the other flavors.

Everything is fresh, made to order and really good. We will be returning to try the breakfast menu.

Sunny Side Kitchen 155 S. Orange Street Escondido, CA 92025 (760) 294-4450 (between Valley Parkway and 2nd Avenue) Open Monday-Saturday 6:30-2:30 Closed Sunday Website

40N Pho & Grille

November 18, 2019 mmm-yoso Chicken Wings, Pho, Vietnamese Restaurants

**** 40N Pho & Grille has closed

A few weeks back, Calvin told me about a new Vietnamese/Pho shop that had opened in his neighborhood. He said that he was taking the family there on a regular basis. It was located in a strip mall in Scripps Ranch? Scripps Ranch? I had to go and check the place out.

40N is located off of Scripps Ranch Boulevard, in the same Strip Mall as Vons and Starbucks. I have to say; I didn't even know this strip mall existed; even though it's but a few miles from Miramar Road and the 15 Freeway.

I was the first customer on this weekend morning; there was a nice, friendly Asian woman working….she seemed to know all the customers who came in after me. She was wonderful, though this was the only time I saw her on during my three visits.

By the looks of the restaurant; I could tell this used to be a Sushi bar as the sushi case was still in place.

Since Calvin had told me the Pho here was quite good; I ordered the House Special (Dac Biet – small $8.50).

This was actually not too bad. The rare steak was still rare when the bowl arrived. The noodles were nicely done, it still had a bit of chew and wasn't mushy. The broth, while cloudy, wasn't overly sweet as is the norm in San Diego these days. It had a mild beefiness, light saltiness, though it lacked complexity was a bit on the bland side and was overly defatted for my taste.

The other cuts in the broth were fine; though the flank was tasteless, the brisket had some beefiness, and the tendon was adequately tender, if not buttery in texture.

The basil was starting to brown and the amount of bean sprouts was rather sparse as is the case in many more "westernized" Pho shops.

So, overall not horrible.

During my visit, it seemed that every table ordered the Cha Gio. So, I decided to return and try it out.

I got the 3 roll ($4.50).

I knew I was in trouble when these came out in less than 3 minutes. It had obviously been reheated. The wrappers were really chewy and this lacked any crispness. The nuoc mam cham was watered down and way too sweet. The filling was fine, but was totally ruined by how bad the wrapper was. Well, at least the lettuce was fresh, right?

Well, the meal wasn't over yet. I ordered the Banh Mi Bo Kho ($10). It actually says "Beef Stew" on the menu….what arrived wasn't no "stew".

Lukewarm, doctored pho broth, made really salty by whatever seasoning was used to make it seem like Bo Kho. The meat was too chewy and some pieces were still slightly cold. The best part of this were the carrots; which looked unwieldy, but was fairly tender.

The banh mi was standard issue, no complaints as it was light, yeasty, and had been heated up.

This was just not a very good meal at all.

And yet, there were two more items on the menu I wanted to try; so I decided to head on back.

I'd seen Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings on the menu. So I ordered the 6 piece ($7) version.

While looking a bit greasy, these were actually fairly crisp, with a good amount of seasoning….edging perhaps on the salty side, but not spicy at all. All the pieces were moist, the wings were actually quite good. The huge drumettes on the other hand, while crisp and moist, had a bitter, slightly freezer burnt flavor to them. Too bad, because this might have been pretty good overall. I ate all the wings….and said goodbye to the drumettes.

I also ordered Banh Xeo ($10). Sadly, this was not very good.

The crepe lacked crispness and was very spongy, the bottom a soggy mess. It was also very bland and the watered down, overly sweet nuoc mam cham did it no favors. The pork and shrimp were tough and dry; the bean and mung bean sprouts under-cooked. This really looked like it was slapped together. All that wonderfully fresh lettuce and mint deserved a better version of banh xeo.

So, while the pho and the chicken wings weren't bad, I didn't care for anything else as it just seemed a bit dumbed down. I'm sure folks in the neighborhood appreciate the place; but for me, I don't think it's worth going out of my way for….after all Mira Mesa is just right up the I-15.

40N Pho & Grille
9978 Scripps Ranch Blvd
San Diego, CA 92131
Hours:
Mon – Sat 11am – 9pm
Closed on Sunday