mmm-yoso – Page 182 – 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.

Revisits – Menya Ultra (Mira Mesa) and Ramen Menma – Basso Drillman Oceanside

November 27, 2018 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Ramen

We're slowly getting to ramen weather here….so a couple of ramen revisits might be in order.

Menya Ultra (Mira Mesa):

Calvin wanted to take me to lunch before my trip, so he got to pick…….it was easy for him; he wanted to try the Mira Mesa location of Menya Ultra. Calvin had been singing the praises of MU on Clairemont Mesa since he first tried the place. While I had the broth had not sustained its excellence over time. Of course he didn't know any better. So, when we got to MU, I told him he was in for a treat as the owner, Takashi Endo was working in the kitchen area.

And this was indeed quite good; even better than usual.

The broth was a bit richer and full bodied, the fragrance, a nice funky tonkotsu, the flavor mild and not too salty. The noodles were perfect; the ajitama, nicely done and not cold.

A really well done bowl….things are better when the boss is around.

Menya Ultra
8141 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126

Ramen Menma – Basso Drillman Oceanside:

**** Ramen Menma – Basso Drillman has closed

The Missus had to work the weekend before we left on our trip. I decided to head on back to Oceanside and Ramen Menma – Basso Drillman. I'd enjoyed the noodles in their Aburasso Ramen and wanted to try out the Tsukemen….and of course that Chicken Karaage I enjoyed.

Sadly, they weren't serving he Tsukemen on this visit. So, I ended up ordering the "Red Hot Miso Ramen Deluxe".

While not being particularly spicy; I preferred this to the rather bland shoyu ramen. It wasn't overly salty; with some decent savory tones; the thickness of the broth was pleasant, if not overly rich. The chashu was nicely seasoned if a bit on the "waxy" side with regards to texture. The menma, which I enjoyed last time still had that nice woodiness; except that it was ice cold….ditto the egg; which was also on the overcooked side for my taste. The noodles were also past the nice chewy-al dente ("katame") texture I prefer as well. Not bad…..

I was really looking forward to the chicken karaage.

Which sadly did not live up to the level of my previous two visits. First off, notice that one piece had been sliced to check for doneness….just seeing this made me rather sad as it meant whomever was making this wasn't familiar with frying the karaage up. And yes; the sliced piece was very dry and as you can see by the photos, so were the other pieces, of which the batter was also hard instead of crunchy. While on previous visits; the flavor of the marinade had danced on the edge of salty; this went over that line as well and was really salty.

Man, what a bummer….I really enjoyed the karaage on my previous two visits.

Service was efficient, the ramen decent, but to me, this really wasn't worth the drive up to Oceanside; so I'm not sure if, or when I'll make an effort to return.

Ramen Menma – Basso Drillman Oceanside
509 Mission Ave
Oceanside, CA 92054

Kura (Conveyor sushi) (revisits)

November 26, 2018 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to look at mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food. Kirk is getting used to the time zone change so Cathy is writing a brief post.

I wrote about Kula the first time in 2015, when we first went to the Rancho Cucamonga location. The conveyor sushi chain arrived in San Diego in about 2016 and I wrote a post in early 2017. (Those links have some explanatory stuff in case you've never been). At some point, the nationwide chain changed its name to Kura (at least on the exterior of the building) and raised the basic price of revolving sushi standard plates to $2.50 each. There is an outdoor Tablet sign in/wait list or you can reserve a seat using a mobile app. We usually ask to sit at the counter.

This time, I was right at the corner and could see into the open kitchen. There was a tabletop photo ad of new offerings.
There is a first plate 'introducing' the following plates, all connected to each other; it helps the kitchen know what to refill.
I always grab the sunomono when it arrives in front of me. A perfect balance of vinegar and soy covering cucumbers, seaweed and bits of tamago (a sweet egg omelet which can be a dessert by itself). Everything on a green plate is $2.50; you slide used plates in a slot in the table when it's time to pay the bill.
If you end up with 15 of those plates, after insertion in the slot, the Bikkura Pon machine will shoot out a ball filled with a small gift directly on your table. We've never had that many small plates; tend to order from the Tablet you see at the second level. Most Tablet items are the same as on the conveyor, but are a bit more fresh; other items are made to order.

While waiting for an order to arrive (it stops right in front of the Tablet where you placed the order- on a second conveyor belt) I saw the Tuna Yukhoe and wanted to try (yukhoe is akin to tartare; raw. Though the egg yolk is cooked.) The raw tuna is marinated in soy, sesame oil, garlic and has some sesame seeds mixed in). Kind of poke, in a good way. The garlic steak is quite nice (we ordered from the Tablet, so the steak arrived warm). Crunch garlic on top.

New to us on the menu was shrimp stuffed baked avocado ($3.60). It arrived with a small spoon.
This will be ordered again. It was divine. Lots of shrimp, melted cheese, just warm ripe avocado. A meal.

The squid tempura ($3.60) was interesting this time; there were two pieces of chicken karaage mixed in. All good; light breading, perfect fry.
Also new on the menu was grilled albacore ($3.60). The fish by itself was excellent; char grill, a meaty piece that flaked perfectly. The slices of jalapeño were a 'warning'…those carrots had something mixed in that had a nice kick of spice; it complimented the fish and was good on its own. The soft shell crab ($4.80) is also one of those items we must always order; it's done right here. The batter, the fry, the shaved radish with a dollop of yellow hot radish. Just so nice. The hand rolls (as you can see, $2.50) are ordered on the Tablet and arrive quickly. They are offered with soy paper wrap instead of seaweed; a little different in flavor…lots of flavorful sesame seeds and really good; a compliment to the rice and tuna filling. The dessert we shared ($3.60)-Anmitsu. Vanilla ice cream with a sort of caramel sauce, red bean paste, small mochi, a marinated strawberry. If you see it, get it-a perfect ending.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar 4609 Convoy San Diego 92111 Open Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Website

We’re Back!

November 25, 2018 mmm-yoso Alsace, France, Lyon, France, Paris, France, Travel

Well, as you can see by the photo above; it's kind of easy to tell where we've been….back to the Missus's favorite city.

And we revisited a couple of Her favorite sites as well.

And even ate at a few favorite places as well.

Though it wasn't all revisits as we had meals that went from the traditional….

To modern…..

To getting to know the city a bit better and trying out other places around the city…..some of which were excellent.

Our next stop was a region known…..well for this…..

And while we did sample our share of the "bubbly"…..

We didn't realize the amount of history that took place in the city we stayed in…..

A cathedral where 29 kings of France were crowned…..

Where a young girl who received "angelic orders" rallied the French and "Le Dauphin" was crowned Charles VII…..

The land is beautiful; the bounty of the chalky soil is known around the world…..

Our meals here also went from traditional to modern…..

Our next stop was a city in a region we'd been to before. Yet, we probably enjoyed this city much more….it had charm in spades.

We had a charming apartment right in the middle of the picturesque old town. The food; like on our previous visit to the region was quite hearty; though we enjoyed it here much more.

The highlight of our stay; other than our apartment was a small group tour that turned into a private tour when we were the only two attendees for that day. We visited four amazing villages.

From one of the villages that inspired Beauty and the Beast.

To another that is the birthplace of a famous humanitarian; but is sadly now known for a tragic and sad event a few months ago. It has now made this beautiful little village a rather strange, somewhat macabre pilgrimage site for Americans. I'd totally forgotten about what happened here and chose to partake in the beauty and history instead.

Though we did find out from our guide about an odd coincidence we had the previous evening……

The next stop was the third most populous city in the country; the entire city center is a UNESCO site.

But who were we kidding? We were there to eat!

From the traditional…..

To the Michelin starred…..

Now we know why they call this city the "Capital of Gastronomy".

And so, we ended up where we started; except for a short side trip….

We enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal…..

And as soon as things started….well, they ended.

Because of a couple of travel hiccups; it basically took us twenty-four hours from the time we left our hotel, to when we walked into our house…..

So this little piggy needs a bit of rest.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Lunch Box (La Mesa)(Again)

November 24, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a San Diego based food blog, writing about places to eat in the City, County, State, Nation and World. Today is Small Business Saturday ( the day following Black Friday and just before Cyber Monday) part of the holiday weekend which began with Thanksgiving Day. Cathy is writing about a locally owned restaurant.

Three and a half years ago, I posted about breakfast at The Lunch Box in La Mesa and said I'd write about lunch at The Lunch Box. Here we are. The $5.95 weekday special is now $6.75 because time marches on. This family owned small business has been a staple on La Mesa Boulevard at Jackson since 2009. Each time we stop in, neighborhood locals are enjoying breakfast and lunch.

There were whiteboard specials out front this day and the raisin bread French toast with bacon was $8.50 (usually the toast by itself is $7.50 and adding two eggs and bacon is an additional $3.50). As you may have noticed, I order raisin filled items whenever I can. This is a regular order and is made so well; crispy exterior and fluffy interior…heavenly, proper French toast. This breakfast sandwich ($7.50) was also a special noted at the front door (usually the sandwich does not come with spinach). Eggs, cheese (The Mister chose Swiss) and bacon with tomatoes and spinach on a toasted, buttery buttered croissant. Wonderful.

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Finally, I am posting about an actual LUNCH at The Lunch Box.

The menu for lunch is basically sandwiches, wraps and salads.

All sandwiches come with a bag of kettle chips and a fresh, warm (chocolate chip) cookie…because it is The Lunch Box.

A 'Basic 1/2 Sandwich Combo'-with soup (in this case chili) ($8.50) or pasta salad, potato salad or green salad. That's the tuna salad on rye. Yes, it is good. *Really*good- the tuna as well as the bread.
The chili has beans and lentils and coarse burger and all sorts of great stuff. Housemade and available each day, a bowl can be a meal on a cold day or on a warm day. The 'Specialty or Hot 1/2 Sandwich Combo' ($8.50), in this case 'The Big Guy' (this as a full sandwich is $10.50) on a torta has roast beef, turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Each meat is quality, the sandwich is overfilled, the torta is fresh (and recommended for this particular sandwich).
the side green salad is very large. This is a tasty, filling meal.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is enjoying this long weekend.

cc was here in February, anyone else?

The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli 8751 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa 91941 (619)463-4013 Open Tue-Fri 7:30-2, Sat 7:30-1 Closed Sunday and Monday Website

Happy Thanksgiving 2018!

November 22, 2018 Cathy Travel, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! wouldn't exist without all of you.

Wherever you are in the world, thanks for reading mmm-yoso!!!

TJ Oyster Bar (again)

November 21, 2018 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

Here you are reading mmm-yoso!!! on Thanksgiving Eve…or Thanksgiving Day. Cathy is writing a short post about another regular stop. Kirk is busy, elsewhere, with His Missus.

There are two locations of TJ Oyster Bar in Bonita with the third in Chula Vista- all East of the 805. The Mister and I have been to all three, but we keep returning to the original location, even though it is the smallest.
There are five two top tables and about 12 bar stools of seating inside and two-four seat tables out in front. The cash register is right in front when you walk in: order, pay, find a seat.
On this visit, we decided to share a fried calamari appetizer ($9). It was nice that they did give us two forks . The batter is thin/light and the fry is correct. The squid is tender and the dipping sauce has a light amount of spice; a complimentary flavor. I did add salt at the end.
We had to get the fish tacos ($1.25 each) which are in a beer batter (slightly thicker; good crunch). The fish pieces are large, the cabbage and salsa and white sauce are just enough (not overpowering). The corn tortillas have nice light corn flavor and because they were warmed, a good chew.
The grilled fish salad ($9)is exceptional. The fish is (as you can see) lightly grilled and the salad served with an avocado half. The salad was a bed of Romaine (which had not yet been recalled; we were here last Friday) which had a great housemade salad dressing mixed in-in perfect proportions (creamy but not overpowering in any one flavor; not much garlic).

Just a nice place to stop in for quality Mexican seafood.

TJ Oyster Bar 4246 Bonita Road Bonita, 92002 (619) 267-4577 Mon-Th 11:30-9, Fri 11:30-10, Sat noon-9, Sun noon-8

Marie Callender’s-Breakfasts

November 20, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!. This food blog tries to post daily about places where either Kirk or Cathy has had a meal. Sometimes we write about events leading to that meal, but that isn't the case today. Cathy is writing.

When I wrote the post about Marie Callender's in September, I realized the hours of operation began at 8 a.m….breakfast! Yet, The Mister and I never had stopped here for breakfast. The other day, we managed to drop in.
The pie display wasn't yet filled.
The bar area had only a few people seated. There was a breakfast meeting on the other side of the restaurant. The menu (at the bottom of this post) was simple and interesting.

You know how a complimentary giant piece of Marie Callender's cornbread is brought out for your lunch or dinner meal? Well, at breakfast, it's a complimentary piece of banana blueberry bread…streusel topped…still warm. Wonderful. The Big Country Smasher Skillet ($10.29)…a bed of tots topped with applewood bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, a blend of cheeses (Jack, Cheddar and Swiss) and country gravy. Good country gravy-pepper-y and with sausage and such flavor on its own. A hearty meal.

Let's not play games. We (I) come here for the pie. This is probably why we (I) never considered Marie's for breakfast. Oh, but there was a surprise on the menu: The Banana Cream Pie Pancake Platter ($9.59). Yes. Banana cream pie is indeed sometimes a choice. You know it's made with fresh sliced bananas. There's also a pudding-like filling, which was still warm on top of the pancakes. Then there was whipped cream; vanilla flavored. Topped with sliced toasted almonds. Heaven. The platter came with two eggs (any style, so I chose over easy) and a choice of bacon or sausage…or one of each. So I did. Then the surprise.
The warm pudding and sliced bananas was on top of each pancake (!) It pretty much was banana cream pie with a different crust- for breakfast. Oh, the eggs were great, so was the bacon and the sausage.

Marie Callender's has been doing breakfast for 40 years. I am so happy I finally discovered this fact. We will be back and maybe try other parts of the breakfast menu and take home a slice of pie…or I'll just get this again.

Marie Callender's 6950 Alvarado Road San Diego, CA 92120 (619)465-1910 Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Website

Oaks Bar and Grill (Carlton Oaks Golf Course-Santee)

November 19, 2018 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is still blogging during this busy Thanksgiving week. Kirk and His Missus are out and about and Cathy is hanging around with some posts which might interest you.

I wrote about Oaks Bar and Grill more than four years ago and am happy to say we still stop in; I just don't post about it. Here's a recent meal.

The views at sunset can be amazing.
The interior is filled with televised sporting events.
We've been dropping in during Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 5-7) (the yellow menu at the bottom of this post) Coconut Shrimp ($6) is satisfying and plenty.
We shared 1/2 caesar salad ($5.25) this day.
Why were we really here? Wednesdays 4:30-9 (until December 26). Prime Rib ($18.95)

I asked for it to be 'rare-medium rare'. It was.

A very large portion (I never have asked, but it's at least 10 ounces), the Prime comes with the steamed vegetables and smashed potatoes. All of this food ordered was more than enough for two to share; we had leftovers.

Breakfasts here are great and served seven days a week. Everyone has to eat wherever they work or live. This really is a great little place in our neighborhood.

Oaks Bar & Grill 9200 Inwood Drive, Santee, CA 92071 (619) 448-4242 opens Mon-Fri 7 a.m. Sat-Sun 6 a.m. Website

2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade Road Test #6; Breakfast at Bravo Burgers (Chino)

November 18, 2018 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is primarily a blog about food. There are so many reasons we discover the food. Cathy is writing today's post, because she did this drive and saw this stuff and discovered another restaurant on the way home. Kirk isn't in town.

Yesterday was the sixth 'official' road test for floats participating in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade built by Phoenix Decorating Company. { Here are links to road tests #1 and #2, road test #3 and here is road test #4 and #5} (There are three other decorating companies and six floats are 'self built'; we volunteer with the Petal Pushers when we decorate floats. You can, too!).
The first float you will see in the parade, "Theme Float" will have the theme banner right there on the front (where the rectangle is cut out for the float 'spotter' to look out onto the parade route (each float has a 'driver', who basically looks down onto the rose colored line drawn on the street to know he/she is driving along the center of the route and a 'spotter' who communicates to the driver via a headset if the pace needs to be slowed, stopped or sped up)(look for other 'spotter' rectangles in the next two float photos)). The theme of "The Melody of Life" is reflected on that swoop going up behind the float- see the small music notes?
The closing float this year will remind viewers of what is to come- the Tournament of Roses Rose Bowl Game. The float is designed like the Rose Bowl Stadium and a larger than life replica of the winners trophy is prominent.
Western Asset's entry is simply titled "Yellow Submarine"..and we can all guess which song we will hear when it passes on the television screen (or in front of you if you are fortunate enough to have a seat on Colorado Boulevard on January 1).

The American Armenian Rose Float Association's entry of "Chanting Stones" Is proving to be again, another educational entry: KARAHUNJ “Armenia’s singing stones full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and simplicity.”
Located on a mountain plateau in Sisian in the Syunik province, also called Zorats Karer in Armenian which literally translates to Army Stones, Karahundj (meaning Speaking Stones probably related to the fact that on a windy day the stones make whistling sounds because of holes in the stones. According to the scientist’s findings, a temple consisting of 40 stones built in honor of the Armenians’ main God, Ari, meaning the Sun, is situated in the central part. It also had a large observatory and a university. In total 223 stones or so were registered.
These basalt stones range from 0.5 to 3 m high and weigh up to 10 tons.
It is even suggested based on findings that it predates the Stonehenge by 3500 years.
Honda- the sponsor of the parade had a road test of "Celebration of Dreams". The main float is way up front, followed by five 'satellite' floats. Here is a link to artist renditions of the Phoenix Decorating Company floats for the 2019 parade.

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We now move to the food portion of this post. Long story short, last Saturday we arrived before Cravings by 99 Ranch opened (at 10 a.m.) and drove around looking for a non-chain breakfast place. We ate here then and again the following Saturday.
Under the 71 and turning down the parallel road, we saw this. Turns out there are four locations of Bravo Burgers, none in San Diego.

The menu is there on the wall behind the cash registers, along with some supplemental menu specials on the counter.

The ham and egg sandwich ($6.29) is quite large, with a large piece ham steak, plenty of eggs and lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. What a breakfast!
On the countertop Specials board, the waffle with two eggs and two sausage ($7.79) looked interesting. The waffle was sweet, crispy, fluffy with perfect over easy eggs and wonderful skin on breakfast sausages. Coarse grind and great flavor.
The bacon egg burrito ($6.29) is hefty. Eggs, bacon, cheese and hash browns (see next photo). This was a good choice.
Steak and eggs ($11.15) came with more of those crispy hash browns. The eggs, again cooked perfectly and the steak a definite medium rare. Plenty of food and I think the first item (the ham and egg sandwich) was enough for a meal. We'll try more menu items next time…maybe even a Bravo Burger.

Bravo Burgers 14698 Pipeline Avenue Chino Hills, CA (909)393-5595 website Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

There's a salsa bar set up all day next to the beverage machine. Great salsas, great chips.

Boudin- Breakfast, Lunch, bread!

November 16, 2018 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Chains, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog. Todays post is written by Cathy; Kirk (and His Missus) are not in town. Probably most of you are starting Thanksgiving early, too.

I should just start out with the title of "gift card meal" because that's how I find out about some places. (Side note: I do not 'regift'). Boudin Bakery began in 1848 in San Francisco. Known for its sourdough, the bread is baked fresh daily. It is now a chain of casual bakery-restaurants with two San Diego County locations serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. As I mentioned, I first discovered Boudin by using a gift card. The drill is similar to Panera and Corner Bakery Cafe– walk up, order, pay, get your own beverage and find a table. Your food is brought to you. All three of these businesses do *not* encourage tipping. You don't have to clear off your own table. All have free wifi.
You can see the fresh loaves bread behind the cash register. A one pound loaf of sourdough is $4.14. What I found out on our first visit is that we can join the Boudin "loyalty club" which gets you one free loaf of bread a month along with a few other perks.
Here are the past three months of free bread. The middle one is a really great multigrain bread, which you can purchase using the $4.14 discount (I think it ended up being 49 cents). The sourdough is wonderful. So is everything else.
The turkey and bacon scramble ($7.90) is quite large, comes with either fruit or potato and a choice of toast. It's a great meal.

The ham and cheddar breakfast sandwich ($5.90) is also quite large. It's served on sourdough and, as you can see, the cheese is grilled in and melted. None of that slapped on slice of cold cheese here. Quality for a reasonable price. The ham is applewood smoked and really good.I broke down and ordered the second avocado toast of my life; "The Purist" ($8.25). It's good, very nice with the eggs and side of fruit…but does not compare to the first avocado toast I ever ordered (photos 4th and 5th from the bottom of the post); that one is the standard for me.

The bacon red bell pepper scramble ($7.90) is also wonderful and again, quite large. That multigrain bread is so very good.

Then there is the rest of the menu…which needs more exploring…
The 'Spring Salad' (small, $5.95, large $8.65, add chicken to either size $2.39) was a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. Granny Smith apple slices, spiced walnuts, dried cranberries, feta, spring mix and balsamic. This was a large that we shared. It will be ordered again, maybe as a small…

Half Sandwich and bowl of soup ($9.35) is a good way to get to try more of the menu. The broccoli-cheese soup was hearty, creamy and filled with broccoli. The sandwich I chose was the turkey cranberry (on sliced sourdough; a good, chewy, old fashioned bread). Turkey breast, cranberry sauce, red onion, lettuce, mayonnaise. Eager to try the 'famous' clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl ($7.49) (you can see that you get all of the bread) this was an order one day. The clam chowder is pretty close to perfect; not salty, very creamy and filled with clam pieces and bits. The bread bowl and its filler piece was great with butter.
There are 'Seasonal Favorites' on the menu and the "millionaires bacon" was a curiosity that I succumbed to. The 'Millionaires BLT' on toasted sourdough with iceberg, Roma tomatoes and mayonnaise was a perfect accompaniment to the thick cut, brown sugar caramelized bacon that had a black pepper and cayenne rub on the edges…a kick of spice in this wonderful sandwich that needed no other additions.