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.
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Boudin- Breakfast, Lunch, bread!
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.
I'm so grateful to my friends for the initial gift card and am very happy to have (finally) discovered the wonderful flavors of real sourdough.
Go- start your Thanksgiving week!
Boudin SF 5407 Balboa Ave, Ste 400 San Diego 92111 (858)737-6571 Website Open Mon-Sat 8-9, Sun 8-8 
Tea Station (again)
mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk and His Missus are enjoying a break from blogging; Cathy is writing another post.
Ever since our first visit to Tea Station, and posts here on mmm-yoso!!! beginning in 2007 until 2016, (Links to Prior posts: 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013) The Mister and I enjoy stopping at the Clairmont Mesa location for quick snacks when we can meet up for lunch or early dinner.
Originally, Tea Station was only the building you see on the left, but expanded out and is a nice space to be able to enjoy a quiet meal. This is important, now that there are several other businesses in this same strip mall.
Again, I did not know which beverage to order and chose hot coffee-tea-milk ($4.50/pot) (no boba). Each flavor was distinct in each sip. A fresh coffee, a bold, dark tea and warm milk. So satisfying.
On the white board, we noticed a "Fresh Lemon Green Tea"($3.99) and had to order it. The Mister has been obsessed with fresh lemon items this summer. This was a great beverage and unique in flavor (ordered with no sweet; you could taste the tannins of the green tea along with the sour but fresh squeeze of lemon).
Tea flavored meals are why we stop here. We shared this tea flavored marinated chicken plate ($11.75), which is a favorite. The marinade has tea (of course) and the lightly breaded dark and white meat pieces of chicken are quite large, juicy and flavorful. You don't need any condiments. The side plate of three is ever changing and on this day the cold noodles had some meat, the corn tasted fresh and was crispy and the cabbage was lightly dressed and still crunchy. The rice, of course, was a flavorful sticky accompaniment. 
The tea flavor dumplings ($9.25) (on the 'noodle' menu) are the reason we stop here; The Mister has cravings for them. The fillings are the same; porky with a slight tea undertone. The skins are on the edge of being too thick sometimes, but on this visit were just right. There is also a slight tea flavor to the dumpling dough.
All in all, a nice place to stop, sip, have a nice meal and catch up.
Tea Station 7315 Claremont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 268-8198 Open daily 11:30-midnight Website
Tako Factory (San Diego near La Mesa) OMG (Original Mexican Gourmet)
Tako Factory has closed. It will be missed.
mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Today, Cathy is writing; Kirk is enjoying some time off from work and from blogging.
El Cajon Blvd at 73rd. The signal light. SouthWest corner. Since 2013. Not your average Taco Shop. A bit fancier of a menu. Much more quality. A lot of people told me about it. I should have visited sooner. 
Walk up, order, pay, find a seat and your food will be brought out to your table, inside or outside. 
You'll get some fresh, crispy, thin, salted chips along with three salsas in a cut bag. The green salsa- mild and lime/tomatillo based. The center is a hot salsa-a habanero finish. The salsa on the right is this traditional recipe I saw on Pati's Mexican Kitchen; Chipotle (smoked jalapeño) with sesame seeds and peanuts. Yes, the salsas-each unique, each fresh made, each wonderful. 
Our shared light lunch. 
The shrimp tako ($4) is very good. Four large grilled shrimp along with grilled bell pepper and onion and topped with cheese and sour cream on a fresh, warm corn tortilla. 
The adovada tako ($4) is served with onions, cilantro, tomato and topped with roasted jalapeño sour cream. The marinated pork is lightly grilled and has crispy bits. The marinade has garlic in it as well as a great red chile. The flavor is a new craving. 
The asada tako ($4) is served with guacamole and pico on two tortillas. Quite a lot of food. The meat is wonderful- moist with a great marinade. 
All day Tuesday, the chicken, asada and adobada takos are $2 each. The chicken is grilled white meat (moist and flavorful) with onions, bell peppers, topped with cheese, pico and sour cream. {These same three choices are available during 'Happy Hour' (3-5) each weekday, also $2 each. This isn't advertised anywhere.} 
The asada alambre ($10) traditionally skewered meat and vegetables (alambre means 'wire'), this version is grilled asada, bacon, green peppers and onions…along with cheese and is served with four corn tortillas. Sort of a fajita (with bacon!), sort of just wonderful, quite enough food to share for another light meal.
Way above average; quality and service.
Tako Factory 7287 El Cajon Blvd San Diego 92115 (619)741-4502 Website Open Daily 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Closed Sunday
Bully’s East Bistro Sports Bar
mmm-yoso!!! thanks you for dropping by (again). Kirk and His Missus are out and about and Cathy is writing about a few meals.
Family owned since 1971, Bully's East is located on the Southeast corner of the I-8 at Texas Street (the street parallel to the interstate is Camino Del Rio South). A fascinating history, known for their prime rib (not in this post) as well as quality, value and service, Bully's is a San Diego mainstay. 
There is plenty of parking, but you may have to drive around the building to find a spot. 
The interior has several dining areas in addition to the Bar area. There are sports memorabilia on the walls and a television can be seen from just about every seat in the building. There is a paper of specials outside the front door as well as on the bulletin board in the lobby when you walk in. There are additional specials on the table.
We were here in early October and there was an Oktoberfest/sausage plate offered ($19). Three different sausages, coarse ground (one was very spicy; another was garlic-y and one was smoked) each had a tight 'skin' and 'snap' when cut, grilled with sautéed onions and fresh cabbage and potato slices. This was served with a salad with house made bleu cheese dressing. It was good and won't be on the menu until next year.
One item always on the menu is French onion soup ($5.25). It's made in house, is not too salty and is very beefy. I'm pretty sure the leftover prime rib bones are used for this. This is pretty much always a choice.
The Prime rib melt ($18.50) is a decadent choice for a lunch sandwich. There is enough to be shared. It's on thick cut, pan toasted sourdough and filled with caramelized onions and Provolone. There's some horseradish sauce and au jus is served on the side. The French onion soup as well as the Potatoes Anna were my two (included) side choices. The sandwich was large, the French onion soup is so very flavorful and those Anna potatoes were perfect!
A Wednesday special noted on the wall, 
grilled 12-oz. ribeye ($26). A perfect medium rare, wonderful char-such flavor. The description is 'topped with a mushroom demi-glace and crispy onions'. There were no onions and we mentioned it and received what I think are more than would normally be served…a nice snack, because the steak and mushrooms and sauce were perfect without needing any additions (not even salt). This came with two sides and as you can see, the baked potato and a salad (this time, Thousand Island, also made from scratch) were the choices.
This is the Bully Burger ($12.50). It's on an onion roll, char grilled (to a nice medium rare, as requested), coarse ground chuck, at least 1/3 lb.. One of the best burgers ever. It doesn't need cheese. The 'spread', lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle are also not needed, but are quite complimentary after eating about half of the burger 'plain'. Two sides are included in the price and this time, it was the mac and cheese (great) and (again) the French onion soup (+$1.25).
Bully's has breakfast on weekends. Another post. We've done that.
Bully's East Prime Rib-Bistro-Sports Bar 2401 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 (619)291-2665 Website Open Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-midnight
You never know who you'll see here at lunchtime during the week.
J & M’s Family Restaurant (Escondido)(again)
Well. Here we are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk and His Missus are taking a break and Cathy is doing the blogging for a while. Enjoy.
The last time I posted about J & M's was more than three years ago. I've since realized the "Chili Extravaganza" is an annual event; each month has different specials in addition to the "added value meals" on the menu. The Mister and I drive up here to shop at the Vallarta Market (in the same parking lot) and stop at J & M's pretty regularly if not eating inside Vallarta or Farmer Boys (also in the same parking lot). There are lots of choices when running errands.
The decor here is comfortable, the waitresses friendly' and the clientele are mostly locals.
We were fortunate to be here when some freshly made cinnamon rolls were offered ($3.49). Quite large, buttery, soft and filled with a nice cinnamon-sugar paste. Trying out house made cinnamon rolls have become a new obsession ever since we finally broke down and purchased one at the 2018 San Diego County Fair. This version is so very good.
Since breakfast is all day, I ordered the Florentine scramble (chalkboard special, $8.99, regular $10.49) with rye toast. Bacon, egg, cheese, spinach, red onion topped with fresh tomatoes…a hearty, tasty, filling meal. The home fries were mostly potato with some onion and green peppers; the potatoes had a nice crisping (bonus!) and were also plentiful.
The Mister had a craving for Liver and Onions ($9.99- from the 'added value menu') and received two very large pieces of calves liver (it was at least 8 if not 10 ounces in total) which was fried just right (the center was medium and the crispy edges were a treat)…of course I got to eat all of the onions. The steamed vegetables were a nice contrast and gave a semblance of healthy eating. The salad and garlic 'toast' (it's a half of a sandwich roll, just like we do at home) were both refreshing (the Bleu cheese salad dressing was excellent) and complimentary to the meaty main course.
A great little family diner since 2013.
J&M's Family Restaurant 1215 E Valley Pkwy Escondido, CA 92027 (between Harding and Ash) (760)745-3710
open 6-11 daily website
SHOMI NOODS @Cravings by 99Ranch (Chino)
Well. Here you are wondering about that (scandalous!) title while looking at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Cathy is writing today while Kirk and His Missus are busy doing other things.
The other day, while recovering from a long day working for the Registrar of Voters, the internet showed up on my iPad. Something about a 'new concept' for 99 Ranch, the local grocery that has two locations in San Diego, each with small Food Court areas. Cravings is in Chino (a 90 minute drive on the weekend with no traffic if you leave early), opened on October 20 and is half warehouse, half Food Court and very interesting. 
Walk in and to the right is the Food Court area. We weren't very hungry (had had breakfast and this was a spur of the moment drive) and decided on the Takoyaki ($5.45) and Karaage ($5.95) from the ramen place (I didn't say the name out loud until we were driving home and realized the alliteration and literally did Laugh Out Loud).
{There are ten businesses in the Food Court area; not all were open and several were very crowded. Photos to follow this food portion of the blogging}
The takoyaki, crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside filled with minced octopus were wonderful - you can see the flaky skin, the gooey interior and some of the octopus in this cross section bite. The thick slices of dried bonito flakes were 'dancing' on the freshly fried octopus balls. Six pieces made a great snack. 
Do not be afraid of the karaage. It is dark, 
does looked burned, 
but it has been marinated and only lightly coated in flour and was moist inside, crispy and light. Also, there was plenty of chicken. Another perfect snack.
So, you may be wondering about the rest of the Food Court. Here are some photos. 
Piju (adult beverages and bar snacks) (launched by Cravings)
Madbun (meat or ice cream stuffed house made baked or steamed bao/buns)
Wingman (fried chicken with rice, fries or in a cone)
Dos Chinos (Latin Asian Grub)
Oi Asian Fusion (Filipino) 
Cauldron Ice Cream ( https://www.cauldronicecream.com )
Pinky Promise, a patisserie/modern Taiwanese bakery.
Tenori (Japanese- rolls and rice bowls) 
Red Envelope (freshly fried and grilled fish and shrimp and chips(Cajun style)). To the left is where you can park your cart after paying, so as not to crowd the Food Court area.
Views from the Food Court toward the Warehouse area. There are bulk items and plenty of freezer items and the fresh produce area has one entire refrigerated/closed door area as well as an open shelving area, but almost everything is pre-packed, unlike the regular 99 Ranch store.
Cravings by 99Ranch 4024 Grand Avenue Chino, CA (Chino Spectrum Mall) (909) 760-8899 website Market open daily 10 a.m., Food Court open daily 11 a.m.
Pho Van (new 2nd location- in Santee)
mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog with posts from Kirk or Cathy. Kirk is unavailable today, so Cathy is writing.
At the end of August, a second location of Pho Van opened in the old Pho Santee spot, across the street from the Sheriff office. The change has been a great addition to the Vietnamese choice in this East County city. 
The interior is neat, clean and busy almost every time we have stopped in for lunch. There are televisions on each wall.
Two shrimp and pork spring rolls ($3.75) had to be a first order, sort of a 'test'. These were not pre-made and the shrimp and pork were both still warm when brought to the table (very much a plus).
Another visit required me to order fried egg rolls (4 for $6.50) {both the spring(#26) and egg (#27) rolls are priced the same per order} and these were very interesting- you can see the elongated shape, nice fry as well as the fillings being plentiful. Great starts to our meals.
During those first three weeks of Grand Opening, all the bowls of Pho were half off. This large bowl of Ga Tom Bo (chicken, shrimp and rare steak) (#16) is normally $8.36. It is worth it. The flavors of everything- broth, beef, chicken and shrimp- were each excellent. The noodles were chewy but not clumpy. The add- ins, though sparse, were just enough with so much else in the bowl.
#98 on the menu, charbroiled pork with bean curd shrimp paste ($8.50) was at first 'warned' to us when we ordered…that it wasn't whole shrimp and that it was bean curd sheets, not tofu. {We know what tau hu ky is; look at the results when you type that in the Search Bar (top left of this page).} Anyhow, this version of shrimp paste stuffed into tofu skin was excellent; crispy, filled and flavorful. The grilled pork is very well grilled and flavored and the rice is a better quality. The vegetables here are always extremely fresh.
#65- Beef stew with french bread ($7.87) was both a wonderful surprise and slight disappointment. The stew was great; tender beef (though not much tendon), carrots and onion. The serving was huge (it's served in a large pho bowl). The disappointment? The bread. It was warm and with a crispy crust, but for some reason the interior/bread part tasted like yeasty french bread and not a bahn mi. Not a biggie, and you can order beef stew with rice, rice noodle or egg noodle.
Bun cha gio (#46, $7.87) was ordered the one time I visited and wanted the egg rolls but also the salad and chilled noodles. The salad part included cucumber, shredded mint and bean sprouts and was served in a fairly large (I'm guessing the small pho sized) bowl. This satisfied my cravings, especially because the pickled radish and carrot along with the fresh chopped peanuts added so much texture and flavor to all of the things under the egg rolls. 
The 'House Specialties' part of the menu is also interesting. #25- rare lemon beef salad ($13.50) is wonderful- large and lemon marinaded beefy with shredded radish, onion, fresh herbs (mint, basil and sawtooth) and topped with chopped peanuts and fried garlic. There is enough to share on this plate.
Also from the 'House Specialty' menu…the bottom item (#29 C) "Bowl of soup wonton" ($3.50). Small, but just enough if you want to eat light or have a small side dish. The wontons are so fresh, nicely filled with both shrimp and pork and the soup broth is not salty, with a chicken flavor.
If you are in Santee, this is the place.
Pho Van 8790 Cuyamaca Street, Suite K Santee, CA 92071 (619) 631-7878 open daily 9-9
2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road tests 4/5. Breakfasts at Costa’s (Covina)
mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. This particular post is about food discovered while checking out another Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test. Kirk is taking a break from blogging and Cathy is writing.
For your convenience, here are links to 2019 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road Tests #1/2, Road Test #3, and Road Test #6
I'll start this post out with the food. The Rose Parade float road testing at the end of September was a "closed set" and no photos were allowed. Of course we didn't know and drove the two hours that Saturday morning anticipating photos and a meal as a post. Since we saw what we could and left kind of soon, we were barely hungry, so drove East on the 210 and randomly took the Grand Avenue exit, driving South. At the signal light at San Bernadino Road, we saw this and decided to stop in.
Costa's was opened in 1991 and has quite a few dining areas- inside and outside. The decor is home spun and eclectic. The menu shows breakfast and lunch/dinner specials Monday -Friday and different specials on weekends. The prices are more than reasonable.
The chicken fried steak ($8.99-from the regular, not weekend special menu) comes with three eggs and your choice of toast (raisin in this case) was wonderful! Lightly breaded, fried crisp, this large piece of cube steak was way more food than expected. The country fried potatoes were vegetable heavy (in a good way) and those three eggs were cooked to a perfect over easy; runny with crisped whites. Oh, the gravy is from scratch and is great without the addition of the sausage, which brings it to another level.
The breakfast special of Eggs Benedict ($9.29) came with a peach half or I could have substituted a few other items, but I decided to go with the chef's vision. I think the presentation was pretty. Also, I haven't had canned peaches in forever and this one was not 'heavy syrup' sweetness. The hollandaise sauce was from scratch and very lemony- a good thing. The perfectly poached eggs on top of the triangle cut ham steak slices on top of toasted English muffin halves was just heaven in every bite.
When the October road test was happening, we got to take photos and decided to stop at Costa's again. 
This time, the waffle breakfast ($7.99) with over easy eggs and sausage links. This was quite wonderful; a sweet, malted flavor to the waffle, perfect over easy eggs and the sausage seemed nicer than normal, with a 'skin' and good flavors. 
The most expensive weekend special breakfast is $9.99 and we went for it. Steak and eggs. Rye toast, the wonderful home fries and perfectly poached eggs. The steak was surprisingly large and perfectly cooked to a medium-rare and wonderfully flavored.
We may stop here again after the November road test, or after decorating floats in December; it's a great place…all locals.
Costa's Family Restaurant 851 E. San Bernadino Road Covina, CA 91723 Open Daily 5:30a.m. – 9 p.m.
Float road tests Number one and two, the third road testing had been completed and we were looking forward to the one in late September. 
This was the only photo I was able to snap before being told that no photos would be allowed that day. The second float there (behind the Theme Float you see in front) is Trader Joe's. Apparently there is a part of the mechanics that they want to remain a surprise. The design is cute. 
In June, I took this photo at the road test; you can see it's sort of an eagle's head and the float looks like a pirate ship (indeed, the the title of the float is "Ride, Captain, Ride", in keeping with the Rose Parade theme of "The Melody of Life", which will have each float with some sort of musical instrument on board) 
At the October road test, I snapped this photo of the colored in float in the back of the barn. You can see the front of the pirate ship with the eagle head and a sort of hot air balloon in the middle of the float. That's where the 'surprise' will be on January first. 
At the August road test, we saw this beautiful basic float being driven , testing for maneuverability and mechanics. 
At the end of October, the 'cocoon' was covering the float and it was being tested for safety, with people onboard, who had to be able to exit the float in 45 seconds- in case of a fire. The float is by the American Legion – a first time in the parade. 
The closing float for the parade in 2019 is a new one and is showing the rest of the Tournament of Roses- the football game. It's a replica of the Rose Bowl and inside, is 
a replica of the prize winning trophy. A nice tie into a magnificent New Year Day.
I got a peek of this float being screened in. It's from Western Asset and has a sort of spaceship appearance. There will be another road test later this month and quit a few floats still have to be tested. Decorating (details and dry decorating) begins the first of December and continues for each Saturday then Decorating Week (using live flowers) from December 26-31.
Thanks for reading.
Bei Jing Kao Ya (北京烤鸭 – Peking Duck) From Yummy House
In the comments section of my most recent Village Kitchen post; "Elle" asked me if I had been to Yummy House, which had just opened in the former Nolbu and Soho spot on Convoy. I'd seen the spot; but wasn't quite sure what this place was. A quick text to "FOY" Candice and things got more interesting as she mentioned Bei Jing Kao Ya….aka Peking Duck. so I decided to escape for an early lunch down to that little parking lot. The place was empty when I arrived; the Servers seemed really nice, but somewhat "green" and unorganized. But still, they were friendly.
The menu was kind of all over the place and I tried to get a bead on where the owner and chefs were from. All I got was "Northern China"…so immediately, the Hunan and Sichuan dishes were ruled out. And of course there was the Peking Duck on the menu…..two courses for $45.98…….not cheap by any means and you had to order one hour ahead of time.
I decided to order a couple of things.
Starting with the Sauteed Green Beans; which was decently pan fried, somewhat wrinkly, really mild in seasoning, but the green beans were fresh and crisp, so I didn't need too much in terms of seasoning. Though how this was flavored seemed quite "Shandong".
I also ordered the Crisp Intestine with Pancakes. The pancakes were fairly thin, with a bit of stretch and weren't bad at all. The intestine wasn't crisp enough, being more gummy and chewy, but was quite funky in flavor and barely seasoned.
The best item by far was the Suan Cai Yang Rou.
While the suan cai; the "fermented" cabbage was really mild, much too mild for our taste, the lamb was quite tender, and nice and gamey. The broth was also mild and in my opinion in need of star anise and more white pepper; though it did have frozen tofu. This wasn't bad at all. Needless to say; when I brought this home, the Missus stated how mild it was in flavor.
A few minutes into my meal and I felt a tap on my shoulder….good lord; it was Candice! Great minds think alike I guess? It was nice chatting and catching up on things a bit; I gave her a taste of what I was eating. I had to get back to the office so I soon left. Candice did mention that the best item they had was the Beef Tendon Hot Pot; so I returned to try that.
This was by far the best item I had on my visits. The tendon was so tender and buttery, the beef shank tender and full of wonderful beefiness, the tomato based broth was thick, rich, and tangy, with just enough white pepper tones. This was a good, rustic dish….full of that "aaah" affect.
The really nice young lady working recommended I have the gailan which she said was fresh. It was fresh, though a bit under-cooked and under-seasoned.
A few weeks back a couple of the folks I'm really close to at work; "YZ", "SJP", and Calvin decided that it had been a while since we'd had lunch together. We decided to check out Yummy House and try the Peking Duck. "YZ" called the day before and made reservations and ordered the duck.
We arrived right past eleven am……there was some confusion about the duck but it got straightened out….we were told the duck; even though we had ordered ahead and our time was set at 11 was going to take a while. And then we tried ordering……well…..they were out of the Tendon Hot Pot….no Ong Choy, no Spicy Clam….no Hot Tea!!!! Say what?
We ordered a couple of items including the Green Beans and rice…..to find out; they didn't have any rice?!?!?! Did somebody forget to press the "button" on the rice cooker? When was the last time you went to a Chinese Restaurant in San Diego and they were out of rice? The poor woman who was serving us felt so bad and embarrassed. So; it was going to be a "lower carb" lunch then we had planned on. The green beans were fine….soon enough the duck made its way to the table.
The legs of the duck were served separately and were actually the best thing about this dish. The dan bing; the pancakes were decent; thin enough with a light stretch. The second best thing about this dish was the cucumbers….because that duck meat was so bland and dry; the duck skin wasn't crisp enough and didn't have much flavor….I mean, I wasn't expecting it to compare to Quan Ju De or even any number of now defunct and still open places in LA/OC….but good lord; I was expecting better than China Max!
The soup that arrived was also disappointing.
Shades of Seolleongtang; while the tongue feel of the broth was decent with a mild duck flavor, this really needed some salt, white pepper, star anise…… "YZ" also quickly noticed that it seems the tofu hadn't been drained properly as it had no flavor. It's really sad; because I believe I can do better with a leftover duck carcass. Sad…..forty-six bucks worth of sad.
We laos ordered one of the few items actually available; the "Dong Po" Pork Hock.
"YZ" who is from Shanghai and I mentioned that the chef is definitely from the North since this had no sweet tones; like dong po rou. The brown sauce was gloppy and glue like, the skin was fairly decent as it had a bit of stretch and the connective tissue was somewhat buttery in texture; but in a good pork hock, the meat under the skin will be quite tender; this was fairly dry and flavorless. This could have used more saltiness and savory tones as well. 
In the end I felt really bad for our Server and somewhat embarrassed for suggesting lunch here. Though we did have fun time catching up on things other than work. Still; how can you not have rice or tea? I was tempted to run over to Chopstix and buy some rice. Actually; if the folks running the place actually had some sense; they'd send the tall young man who was just standing behind the bar to purchase some rice for their customers.
My understanding is that the owner/cooks are from either Shandong or Dongbei; depending on who you ask. They really need to work on a whole lot of things here……without even considering the food; there are many gaps to close. And it seems there's a severe lack of restaurant experience and common sense.
Yummy House
4633 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Hours
Mon -Fri 11am – 230pm, 5pm – 10pm
Sat – Sun 11am – 10pm