mmm-yoso – Page 163 – 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.

Noodling Around City Heights – Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga 2

December 21, 2019 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

Since it's soup weather again here in San Diego; I decided to circle back and revisit all those places East of the 805 and West of 54th Street. I decided to start the corner of 54th and University, to a place that "FOY Elle" recommended to me back in early 2018. Phuong Nga 2. As of my last visit at the end of last year; I thought it was by far, the best Bun Rieu in San Diego…… So, now, I was interested to see how things were going at PN2….

I arrived shortly after opening, though the older woman here was running around like crazy since there was a huge line of take-out and catering orders on the front tables. Still, I got me Bun Rieu ($8.45) order in and it arrived fairly quickly.

First off, the herbs and veggies were sparkling fresh…..this is one of the few places that still serve shredded banana bossom…..red perilla and of course the ever handy little container of fermented shrimp paste.

Like previous visits; the right type…thinner, bun was used. It was perfectly prepared, firm and stretchy.

The broth was not as sweet or tangy as before and perhaps a bit "lighter". It was by no means bad…..but that container of shrimp paste came in mighty handy.

The "meat and crab cakes" were light and fluffy, though mostly pork. The fried tofu cubes did well dipped in the mam tom. The tomato was better than on previous visits….perhaps more "in season"; and were nice and tangy. The piece of pork rib was a bit too tough and chewy this time around. I still really enjoy the small dried shrimp scattered in the broth which adds a nice savory, "umami bomb" to things.

It' still my favorite Bun Rieu in San Diego…..if anyone has some "contenders" let me know. And Elle; I'll always be grateful for your recommendation.

Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105

So, I'm thinking of heading down West on University, then turning back East and revisiting all those places I've posted on before. I haven't seen any new places pop up recently…have you?

Silvia Pupuseria (National City)

December 18, 2019 Cathy Salvadoran Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Here we are, less than a week before Christmas (and maybe a short week for those who are using up vacation time before the end of the year), at mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today's post.

Long story short, The Mister and I were driving around looking for businesses giving away 2020 calendars as advertising, (as we do every year) and there were crowds, so we started driving in another area, looking for a quick meal before continuing on our trek.

I had to stop at a signal light and saw the signage for businesses in the mall…and, well, we had been talking about pupusas for the past few weeks. We had to.

You can walk in and order to go, or have a seat and a menu (without prices) as well as chips and salsa are brought out to you. Yes, the menus are written only in Spanish, but I understood it all. The waitresses understood my ordering in English. The house made salsas, red and green, are both hot, in a good way. No dumbing down here.
The two storefronts are joined and open to accommodate about 50 seats with tables and booths and a beautiful mural on the 'kitchen' side. Since this is a Pupuseria, I ordered two ($2.25 each). There are ten flavors on the menu. You can hear the dough being slapped in the kitchen when preparing the order. The one in front is chicharron with cheese, the other one is bean and cheese- black beans with cheese. What wonderful, fresh, filling and large/heavy pupusas! Such fresh flavors! A wonderful meal by themselves. The accompanying fresh made curtido and tomato sauce were very complimentary to all the flavors. The curtido was so fresh, with the cabbage, carrots, Mexican oregano and just enough jalapeño with a light fermentation that we did finish the bowl brought out, some of it with food and some of it just plain. There were several 'Breakfasts' on the for here menu and the choice of plantains with creama and beans or plantains with eggs looked interesting. Plantains with beans, crema, a piece of cheese and eggs scrambled with a fresh house made salsa turned out to be the order ($9.99) (we were not asked how to have the eggs prepared). The fried plantains with just a bit of the crema were sweet and hearty. The refried beans (not black beans like in the pupusa) were wonderful. The scrambled eggs with the tomatoes, onion and cilantro, were really good, with flavor in every bite.

We noticed other tables that asked for coffee were given a cup of hot water and a jar of instant Nescafe (the table behind us got decaf). Nescafe is one of few instant coffees that I like; this is a great alternative to possibly getting stale, bitter coffee from a pot. Next time. Also next time, a bowl of soup, definitely, along with maybe a mushroom pupusa.

Kirk was here in 2016!

Silvia's Pupuseria 916 East Eighth Street, Suit 106 National City, CA 91950 (619)534-2037 Open Daily 9:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.

2019 San Diego County Fair- OzSome (Part 3; the wrap-up)

December 16, 2019 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

Today's mmm-yoso!!! post is written by Cathy with photos from July and some tidbits about the 2020 County Fair at the bottom of this post.

Usually, the Theme of the upcoming San Diego County Fair is announced in early October, but for some reason it was delayed until mid-November this year, so this final round up post seems late, but it really isn't.

There is so much to see and do, around every corner. The floral competition is ongoing; you never see wilted entries.

The Professional Woodworking display and competition, with some entries within the Fair theme, is always filled with beauty and craftsmanship.

The Infield Garden area also participates within the Theme of the Fair.

Of Course, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,the original book and its 13 sequels, were the inspiration for the Theme (the book series was the inspiration for the 1939 film). The Theme information area (to the right when you walk in the main gate) was so interesting this year and helped me decide on my summer reading.

In the Gem and Minerals area, there are always beautiful displays of crystals as well as the always changing, ever interesting display of 'food' made up of rocks, polished and plain, as well as crystals and minerals.

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Which leads us to the food portion of this post…

We did try the deep fried bacon wrapped cheese bites one day. They were wonderful.
I had slightly mentioned in prior years that one day a week food booths offered 'samples' for $2. Well, time marches on and this year, there were '$3 sample' signs at most booths on Thursdays. Lucky us. We tried this bean and cheese pupusa, which came with a nice curtido and tomato sauce salsa for $3 and planned our day.
Gingerbread cake; had never tried, will get again. Wonderful flavor. One piece of fish was $3, so we made a 'meal' of the fried fish here.
Had always seen the 'BBQ pork sundae", but never tried. The pork is very good, as is the sauce…served on top of mashed potatoes, technically a 'balanced' meal. Interesting concept and just enough.
The 'Chocolate Tower' was a great deal-chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream, sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles…a perfect size for sharing. Even the $3 piece of fresh made fudge was just right without having to eat a lot and take home. One way we save some money is to purchase a 'souvenir cup' of beverage (I like the iced tea at the booth which has the giant ear of corn on top, on the midway; it's unsweetened and strong) on the first visit to the Fair, the refills are half price that day and on the subsequent days when we bring the souvenir cup. Eddie's Asian Inspired Cuisine offered iced tea, lemonade and an aguas fresca-pineapple with spinach juice. The flavored lemonade choices at the booth in the bottom photo were all interesting and, in particular, the cherry brought back fond childhood memories.
Inside the Paul Ecke garden Show, near the back is always an Eatery, which changes names with the Theme of the Fair. This is one of the booths run by the 22nd Agricultural District, so it will be there again. The menu is also within the theme and we tried two items:The "Good Witch/Wicked Witch Toasts" ($8). The Wicked: edamame hummus, roasted tomatoes, greens, smoked pepitas. The Good: ricotta with black pepper, black Mission Figs, lavender honey and Black Sea salt. Each of these were tasty, filling, and inspirational for some of our light summer meals.

The "There's No Place Like Home" Nicoise salad ($14)had flavorful, good size pieces of seared tuna on top mixed greens and topped with fingerling potatoes, fresh (flavorful) tomato, hard boiled egg, olives and served with a mustard vinaigrette. This was wonderful and large enough for sharing. Can't wait to see how the menu will change for the 2020 Fair!
We had never purchased a funnel cake at the Fair until this year. The fried dough topped with powdered sugar was a wonderful indulgence. You can see the souvenir cup on the table in this photo.

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Plans for 2020: The Theme

There are a few changes: parking charges have increased to $20 (and $10 at the Horsepark), HOWEVER if you purchase a parking pass before 12/31, you can save $2. There is also a deal to purchase $25 of food coupons for $20, again before 12/31. Plenty of other ways to save are also listed on the Website.

Revisits – Woomiok and Mien Trung

December 15, 2019 mmm-yoso Bun Bo Hue, Korean Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants

It feels like (San Diego) winter now; so here's a couple of revisits to a new place on the rotation and an old favorite.

Woomiok:

Woomiok has become a favorite of the Missus. So, with the recent cooler weather, the Missus wanted Her fix.

This time around we ordered the assorted beef in stone pot. As with previous visits; the kkakdugi and the squid panchan were the best, while the baechu kimchi was decent but, could have used some really more intense fermented flavor. The japchae was really bland.

We were pleasantly surprised with the portion size of the dish ($34.99).

The tendon was buttery and the brisket and other usual "tougher cuts" were tender and beefy. There was what looked like typical pho top round, which was drier and tough and the worst cut overall. The bone based broth was very nice with a touch of salt. A very comforting dish overall. In fact, I loved the leftovers which I mixed with rice and heated up; making a rice porridge of sorts.

We left warm and satisfied.

Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Mien Trung:

Just like last year; Mien Trung was my first real meal out after returning from our trip.

The place was hopping; I just ordered the smaller bowl of Bun Bo Hue. It looked kinda light; but it was pretty good. Nice spice, great lemongrass flavor, the meats were more tender than on previous visits….even the tendon. Not over-loaded with MSG……the noodles were slippery and firm; the veggies (I still miss not having banana blossom though) fresh.

This had that "aaaah" factor going.

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

Where in world were we?

December 14, 2019 mmm-yoso Travel

Well, this as an interesting finale to our trip……due to some "transit issues" that kept us on our toes; a flight cancellation that was quickly remedied, we managed to get in this past week at around 1am….of course I was back in the office at 6am that morning. So, thanks to Cathy's help, I managed a few nights of sleep before doing this post.

Just to catch you up…….from my previous post. We flew back and ended in a city full of history….

Much of the western world's history is tied to this ancient city.

Especially in terms of religion.

We took three private tours during our stay. The one we enjoyed the most, was visiting a town where one of the central religious figures was born.

And things were quite festive. On the day we visited, a very important relic was returned to the city. It was lead by marching bands……

It was quite amazing to actually visit places that I'd been taught about since a very young age….places ingrained in religious traditions.

It was also surprisingly expensive here. But we did eat well…..

Vegetable dishes were quite delicious.

And even though some of the folks here were very rude; like when we went to a recommended shop to try a dish I had on my "list" and were treated rudely, and then when ready to order were ignored….they took all the other customer's orders and ignored us. There was still a silver lining as I got to try a dish I often make at home…..

And on our last evening in the city we had a really good meal…….

We flew back to the Missus's favorite city……

Spending just one evening…..we had intended on returning at the end of our trip; but due to some crazy circumstances; basically stayed in our next location for the duration.

The city is known for it's bridge, which is the subject of a famous children's song.

Also, for a period of time the Papacy was located here.

We made the best of our time here and really enjoyed the food as well.

And though the situation caused a bit of a disruption; we made the best of things.

So let me regroup and get some posts done.

Thanks for stopping by.

Point Loma Seafoods (yes, more visits)

December 12, 2019 Cathy Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog with posts of places to eat in and around San Diego as well as the world. Today, it's a San Diego post. Cathy is writing while Kirk is adjusting back to this time zone.

There have been plenty of posts about this (since 1963) San Diego institution. My latest post was in 2018. So, here's another one. We stop here whenever we are at the airport, picking up or dropping off.
There is a fresh fish counter for convenient purchases, with a restaurant menu above. THIS is a link to a current priced menu.
When you walk in, there is a white board (which is back) with some current specials, which are not on the regular menu (seasonal items). You step up to the counter, order and pay and your number will be called.
You grab your own beverages and find a seat, indoors or upstairs or outside.
The 'Combo"-Bay Shrimp and Crab salad is market Price ($17 this day). A very large portion (the photo doesn't show the depth of the container), Mixed greens, great portions of fresh Dungeness crab and plenty of (quite large) Bay shrimp. The house made dressing is perfectly complimentary.
A bowl of New England clam chowder ($4.92/$5.30 with tax) is made using a wonderful recipe with whole chopped clams and potatoes, celery and onion (and of course, real cream). Again, my photo doesn't show the size of the bowl properly, but this and the salad were easily shared as a nice lunch. When you order the fried clam plate (it's listed on the black colored white board at the door, this day for $26), a container of Ipswich Belly Clams is pulled from the glass counter and given to the kitchen so they can begin the frying process, which is perfect. A nice cornmeal and flour based breading, fresh clams; nothing more needed. The Mister craves these, a childhood treat when growing up on the east coast, when he could grab a bag of fresh fried clams to munch on while riding his bike to and through Rhode Island. The fries are thin and perfectly crisp, the slaw here is unique-bell peppers along with the fresh, crispy cabbage and light sauce- flavors so fresh and unadorned, letting the ingredients shine.
The Combo Seafood Plate ($17.50) Two pieces of cod, Two shrimp, one crab cake. A little bit of everything, perfect fried. Just so satisfying and perfectly fresh and flavorful. The tartar sauce is (also) made here and complimentary to the fried items. The cocktail sauce has a nice bite of horseradish and we only use it for the smoked fish.

A San Diego Institution still around for a reason.

Point Loma Seafoods 2805 Emerson Street San Diego, CA 92106 (at Scott Street) (619) 223-1109 Website Open Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 10-7 (these are winter hours)

Golden City (yes, more visits)

December 11, 2019 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is still blogging about food. Today, Cathy is back at Golden City, a favorite (and underrated) Chinese restaurant located at the SouthEast Corner of the 163 and Clairmont Mesa Boulevard. Kirk is adjusting to the time zone.

Kirk's latest post about this wonderful restaurant was in January, where he linked back to his first post in 2005. My latest post was in May of 2018, so it's about time for an update. Here are two lunch visits. {The Lunch menu is available from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and again after 9 p.m.} {The Late Night menu does not include soup or rice with the meal; rice is $1 per bowl at that time}

Same location, some of the interior has been updated since 2005. Consistency. Always fresh tablecloths. Always friendly service.
Seafood Noodle Soup ($9.50)
Filled with shrimp, squid and fish as well as bok choy, carrots and plenty of eggy noodles, this chicken-broth-based soup is satisfying on many levels. Of course the flavors as well as textures and freshness make this a very satisfying meal on its own.
Fish Filet with Black Bean Sauce ($9.95). Plenty of fish, fresh and moist. Large pieces of sweet onion and a variety of bell peppers along with the saltiness of black bean sauce make this one of my cravings. The lunch meals (not the soup bowls) include egg rolls and a choice of egg drop or hot and sour soup as well as those magical 'crunchies' and plum sauce. Rice is included and hot tea is still free here; I like that it is made with loose tea leaves.
The egg rolls are cooked fresh and vegetable filled.
Fish with Lemongrass ($9.95) Breaded and properly fried, this is an indulgence. The lemony sauce, mixed with basil and spicy peppers make a great flavor combination.
Kung Pao Three ingredients ($10.95) is not too spicy. There are chilis and onion stir fried with the beef, chicken and shrimp. The peanuts mixed in help 'neutralize' any real spiciness you might encounter. Again, a mix of flavors (you can taste each ingredient) and textures and just a satisfying meal.

Golden City Chinese Cuisine 5375 Kearny Villa Road San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 565-6682 open Mon-Th 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-midnight

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant (El Cajon)

December 10, 2019 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Cathy is writing today.

Heading East on Fletcher Parkway, just across the street from Barbecue Pit (two blocks same side of the street from Beef 'n Bun,

We always see this signage and continue on our way. We finally stopped the other day. Pancho's has been here since 2004. It is family owned and operated.
Driving by, we never noticed the front door or facade.

Step inside and the decor is amazing. There is a Bar area and various seating areas.
Chips, fresh and tasty salsa, the Lunch as well as a Regular Menu are brought to the table.

Tostada Compuesta- with carnitas- was my choice ($6.99). A very large, fresh made fried flour tortilla on the bottom, topped with excellent refried beans, a lot of really flavorful, moist and well made pork, lettuce, tomato, two cheeses and avocado slices. Really a filling meal.
The Mister tried the flauta lunch ($6.99) which was also made with a fresh flour tortilla wrapped around flavorful shredded chicken (stewed chicken with onion and bell peppers, drained so it wasn't 'soupy') which was properly fried and cut in half. The side of rice was well made-flavorful on its own and the salad came with ranch dressing. Again, a nice, filling meal.

Really good food. We should've stopped in sooner. Will be back and become one of the 'regulars'; there were many.

There is brunch, which includes either three glasses of champagne or one margarita.

Pancho's Mexican Restaurant 2257 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon, CA 92020 (619) 460-4202 Open Mon-Sat 11:30-9, Sun 9-8 Website

Hong Kong BBQ Kitchen (inside Vinh Hung Supermarket) (Mira Mesa)(again)

December 9, 2019 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

This is a food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Kirk usually writes about meals and various food he enjoys from nearby and afar. Cathy is writing a short post about a nearby place while Kirk is 'on vacation'.

A central location to meet clients, colleagues and friends is at the former movie theater converted to grocery store and restaurant (as well as a few other businesses in the former hallways). Kirk posted about a dinner here in April. I last wrote a post (with links to prior posts of both mine and Kirk) back in 2017.

Hong Kong BBQ and Dim-sum, near the front of the store, at the former concession stand and stairway to the (former) upper level seating was quiet enough to carry on conversations.
Fish XO sauce ($9.95) is always a favorite order here. The salty, dry scallop and dry ham base, which is cooked with chilis, onion and garlic is always mouth watering. Onions and bell peppers as well as some black beans round out the lightly battered and expertly fried fish in this dish. Always good.
Beef string bean ($9.95), stir fried simply with onion and garlic is also a good choice. The meat is thin and tender and flavorful. The green beans are fresh and flavorful. Dessert! Never a fortune cookie…steamed rice cake!

Hong Kong BBQ and Dim Sum 10550 Camino Ruiz San Diego 92126 (858) 408-4888 Open Sun-Thurs 9-9, Fri-Sat 9-9:30 Website

2020 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float decorating. Dinner at Peppertree Cafe (Glendora).

December 8, 2019 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!! is primarily a food blog. There are many reasons food is acquired. Cathy is posting today about another year end event when she and The Mister volunteer, along with their meal following the long work day. Kirk and His Missus are still 'on vacation'.

In January, the New President of the Tournament of Roses was announced and she announced the theme of the 2020 Rose Parade. (Details at the top of this post, along with links to all 2020 float road tests). This Saturday was the first day of float decorating. Check in kiosks, light rain and an excitement surrounded the Phoenix Decorating Company decorating barn in Irwindale. Soon enough, we were called in and met our Crew Chief who escorted us to the float where we would be working on this first of the 'dry' decorating days. Live flowers show up around December 26 or 27, so they will be fresh on the floats. These Saturdays before Christmas are decorations made with glue and tiny details of dry materials: peas, beans, lentils, coffee grounds, straw, dry flowers, dry parsley and so much more.
Walking past numerous floats
and material product (these are statice flowers, which are cut, dried and blended into a powder to be spread on floats needing large areas of blue or pink colors).
Colors are painted for easy material application. ('Soaring with Hope' presented by Kiwanis International).
Here's part of a thatch roof effect, almost finished before lunch. ('Growing a Better Tomorrow' by Western Asset).
Glue and onion seed being applied. ('Planting Seeds of Hope' by Sikh American Float Foundation).
Rotary ('Hope Connects the World') had a lot of volunteers this first day.
Shriner's Hospitals for Children ('Hope Knows No Limits') completed quite a bit.
These ladies, first time volunteers, were applying bended straw flowers to one of the homes on the SCAN Foundation float, 'Hope's Hope'.
The Lions Club float ('Hope for 2020')really has so many cute details all related to vision, one of their five tenants.
Part of the SCAN Foundation float had coffee grounds (on the frame of the window), sesame seeds (the yellow 'bricks') and poppy seeds (the darker half circle castle pieces). Across the way is the Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day float, 'Plant a garden, Believe in Tomorrow'.There's the Cowboy Channel float, 'Walk, Ride, Rodeo'.
Here's Trader Joe on 'It Takes a Flight of Fancy'. He's in a pickle barrel and holding a pickle in his left hand. Two floats are still under construction- Wescom Credit Union and Farmers Insurance. There's plenty of time(!)

Details, dry materials, glue: what a day.

Details for volunteering and artist renditions of some of the floats are on the Phoenix Decorating page. Details of Tournament activities are on The Rose Examiner page and more other Tournament activity details on the Tournament of Roses page.

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We stopped at Cream Pan for a quick breakfast on the way up, brought our own lunch for our 30 minute break and decided to head East, to Glendora, for dinner once we finished working. I posted about a breakfast here in 2018 There is a regular menu as well as a Special Menu on weekends.

Italian Wedding Soup-very good long simmered chicken broth along with the spinach and carrots, tiny beef-pork meatballs and tiny orzo pasta.
The house made thousand Island is excellent. A refreshing salad.
An eight ounce Top Sirloin along with five coconut shrimp and choice of potato or fresh vegetables (sautéed in garlic butter) ($13.99) Look at all those vegetables! The Top Sirloin was cooked to a perfect medium rare and had great flavor, the crispy coconut shrimp were so nice; plump, juicy and crispy.
Prime Rib ($15.99) was great- medium rare, large and flavorful, and the salted baked potato made this special meal after a long day just a bit more special.

We had really liked the breakfast here…dinner was also excellent.

Peppertree Cafe 1020 E. Route 66 Glendora, CA 91740 Website Sun-Thurs 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 6a.m.-10 p.m.