mmm-yoso – Page 224 – 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.

Where in the world are we (again)? Part 2

April 10, 2017 mmm-yoso Japan, Kanazawa and Ishikawa Prefecture, Kyoto, Tokyo, Kamakura, and the Kantō Region, Travel

As you read this, we're probably just getting home…..

After another wonderful trip to Japan.

From the rather cold climate of our previous stop, we headed to warmer pastures.

To a city that houses one of the "Three Great Gardens" of Japan.

Which was quite impressive.

As was the fact that there was gold leaf everywhere….even on our sashimi.

Though we loved the dried/fermented/preserved fish here……cheesy-salty-savory….an umami bomb.

And of course there was "Japanese Breakfast".

Our next stop was a familiar one…..though we'd never been here during the spring. We lucked out and the Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom. As were the people, who seemed to be really enjoying themselves. In spring; life starts anew……and it seems like everyone celebrates….

Everyone is out having a great time; family, friends, of the two legged and four legged kind.

And in this day and age; you absolutely need a "selfie"…..

After all; who can deny how beautiful this is.

It's enough to make you want to massage a…ummmm…..cat?

All joking aside; it can be breathtakingly beautiful.

Of course we had to stop at the Missus's favorite Yakitori spot.

And how about some "Kogashi" (burned) Ramen?

And even a nice Izakaya stop with a wonderful shirako ponzu…loved the shiso flowers; which added just enough of that anise-basil flavor.

And then some what sadly, our time was almost up. And we ended up back in the city where we kicked things off…..though this time, staying in our favorite neighborhood.

Which meant a visit to our favorite restaurant.

And one final day trip…..

On a misty morning that added an air of mystery and drama to things…..

It's been a great trip again.

Though now it's time to stop monkeying around.

And head back to home and work.

Thanks for reading!

Oiishi-Santee (again)

April 9, 2017 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, Thai Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoyo!!! is a food blog. Kirk is not posting right now (he's enduring transportation), nor is Ed (from Yuma)(who is enduring life without a computer). Cathy (enduring procrastinators) is sharing a meal today.

I first wrote a post about Oiishi in 2006, during my first 'vacation replacement' stint for Kirk and His Missus. Other posts were in 2008 and 2011. Since this is right down the street from home, The Mister and I stop here regularly, but take no photos…we just eat.

Japanese and Thai Cuisine are the menu choices here. Over the years, there's been a remodel of the small interior. Neat, clean, simple. (A pot of green tea is $2.75 and very good.) The 13 seat sushi bar is filled on most nights. The cucumber salad ($3.50) is refreshing, made with a simple rice vinegar and sesame seeds. The satay chicken appetizer ($7.95) can be (and usually is) a meal for me. It's served with a house made peanut based sauce that is thick, smooth and caramel-like in consistency; complimentary to the grilled white meat chicken pieces. The spicy fish plate ($12.95) is served with some sautéed bell peppers and onions and a small side salad along with rice. The spice level here is 1-10 and a 5 is quite pleasant.

A nice, longstanding neighborhood Thai-Japanese restaurant.

Oiishi 10251 Mast Boulevard Santee 92071 Website New Hours: Mon-Fri 11-3, 4:30-9 Sat 12-9 Closed Sunday

Rose Donuts (near USD) Revisit

April 6, 2017 Cathy Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is back, with Cathy writing because Kirk is too busy to write and Ed (from Yuma) is too exhausted to write.

I posted about Rose Donuts almost three years ago and despite visiting here multiple times in the interim, just didn't bother posting again. (That post was primarily written to focus on the exclusive item sold here, a blueberry fritter, which has, sadly, been discontinued). Since I had a wonderful breakfast sandwich at Winchell's, I thought a few posts focusing on breakfast sandwiches at donut places would be a good topic, especially since that's been my latest way of getting breakfast.

This location, on the South East corner of Linda Vista Road at Napa, is open 24/7 and is family run.

The menu has remained the same (other than periodic price increases) with croissants, bagels and toasted bread being the choices for sandwiches and a 'combo' including a beverage and a donut or six donut holes.

Here's a turkey, egg and cheese on wheat toast ($5.65/$7.15) which can be good any time of the day. It also appears to be a bit healthier than other choices. However, the "Southern"- a croissant filled with ham, egg and cheese (two types) ($5.05/$6.55) is so tasty! The "Sunrise"-egg and cheese on wheat ($5.05/$6.55) is basic, simple and just a very good sandwich.The "Sunshine"- a croissant with ham, bacon, egg and cheese ($5.05/$6.55) is simply decadent and a wonderful way to start the day. Here is part of a combo enjoyed one morning. The raised donuts are so very good here.The buttermilk old fashioned donut is also delightful in its cake-like texture.

Rose Donuts 5201 Linda Vista Road San Diego, CA 92110 (619)294-8856 open 24/7

Golden City revisits

April 5, 2017 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Well, you're back here, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk is on a train, heading away from snow, Ed(from Yuma) is distracted with computer problems so Cathy is writing another post about a favorite place.

Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and I have written about many meals and food items at Golden City over the years (type 'Golden City' in the search box at the top left corner of this page; you'll get over 950 results). Located pretty centrally (at the South East corner of the 163 at Claremont Mesa Boulevard), it's a convenient meeting spot for friends from North or South County.

The interior was renovated a while ago and everything is about the same, including the menu. There is a lunch and a late evening (after 9 p.m.) special menu. The lunch specials come with a choice of soup: hot sour and egg drop. Both are good. vegetable egg rolls also come with each lunch order. Since we were here on a Friday (when we don't eat meat) (seafood is allowed) I chose the fried beancurd with spicy salt ($8.95). This was wonderfully different. Thick cuts of soft bean curd, fried to the point that a light, delicate crust formed and the tofu inside was soft and creamy topped with a mixture of chilis and garlic. A good choice. The Mister chose the fish filet with lemon grass ($9.95) and this, too was fried with the most delicate crust and the subtle flavors of lemon grass and red and green pepper toppings were just right. All in all, another nice meal.

Earlier in the year, we had a bit of time for a celebratory meal and were back at Golden City. Peking Duck, two ways ($41) was our choice. The first way, had the skin cut off and served with a platter of steamed buns and a sauce filled with finely sliced scallions. Then the duck was taken away to the kitchen to prepare it for it's second servving (and I asked that the carcass be saved for me to take home for yet another meal) The chopped up dark duck meat mixed with water chestnuts, some shrimp chips and a sort of hoisin sauce arrived back at the table in the lettuce cups, a perfect size for holding and enjoying.

Always good here. Underrated. I hope your week is passing quickly!

Golden City Restaurant 5375 Kearney Mesa Road San Diego, 92111 (858)565-6682 website

Where in the world are we (again)? Part 1

April 4, 2017 mmm-yoso Hida-Takayama and Gifu Prefecture, Japan, Nagoya, Tokyo, Kamakura, and the Kantō Region, Travel

It's been a tough couple of months and we needed to get away.

We'd had the outline of this trip planned for a while and after some consideration pulled the trigger.

It's easy traveling here and we learn something new and fun at every turn….like what a "Hanami Party" is. Folks here get (even more) goofy this time of the year…..I think this has something to do with it.

We started in familiar surroundings…..the Missus wanted Her horumon fix.

Check that one off the list.

We then headed to a city we've visited before, but spent a couple of days here this time.

And even went on a rather easy and fun hike on an ancient trail. Where you needed to ring the bells to avoid….well as the sign says.

In terms of eating, well we stayed with some of the "local specialties".

Including some really great noodle soup eaten on the Shinkansen platform of all places.

It had snowed a few days before our arrival at our next destination. And there were remnants everywhere.

We enjoyed the beef and the style of food here.

We're on the train to our next destination. Hope everyone is safe, sound, and warm, where ever you might be.

Winchell’s Donuts- quick breakfast

April 3, 2017 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch

Thanks for stopping by to read this food blog, named mmm-yoso!!! Kirk is almost ready to write again, Ed (from Yuma) is still dealing with computer problems and Cathy is writing today's post.

The other morning, I had to leave before eating breakfast and, after my appointment, decided to stop at the convenient corner location of Winchell's in National City. It's open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Winchell's Donuts first opened in Temple City, CA on October 8, 1948 and is the West Coast's largest donut chain with over 170 locations in six states, as well as in Guam and Saipan. The locations around San Diego are franchises, usually run by families.

There is always a good choice of warm, fresh donuts available ('Warm 'n Fresh' is trademarked by Winchells) as well as a variety of other baked goods and beverage choices available. Also on the menu board (and advertised on the windows out front) are sandwiches. I ordered a bacon/egg/cheddar sandwich on a croissant ($4.49) (could have also had it on a bagel) a small cup of coffee ($1.59) and a donut ($1.09) The coffee was very good; it's a special blend made for Winchell's. Arabica beans. The sandwich was quite good; egg was fluffy and light, the cheese was real cheddar. The bacon was thin, but added a nice flavor. The croissant was, of course, fresh and warm. All in all a nice, quick meal.

Winchell's over 170 locations Locator link Website

Tapioca Express, again

April 2, 2017 Cathy Caffeine Fix, Chains, Desserts, Stuff, Taiwanese Food and Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is this food blog. Kirk is, right now, taking a well-deserved break. Ed (from Yuma) is having some connectivity problems. Cathy is awake and writing about another of her adventures with food.

I first discovered the concept of tea houses and boba in 2007 and subsequently wrote about some of the food choices enjoyed from Tapioca Express, as well as other places. Yes, they seem to be beverage oriented, and I get beverage overwhelmed.

This is the menu board at Tapioca Express. The first FIVE columns are beverage choices, the last two columns are food choices, where I zone in. (My beverage choice is always the 'Coffee Milk Tea' ($2.98), either hot or cold, no boba, no added sweetener). Our shared meal this day consisted of a boiled pork dumpling plate ($4.98) which comes with steamed broccoli and a vinegar-soy dipping sauce. Fried shrimp rolls ($3.98) with a mild level of spice. These are pleasant, with a good crunch.The calamari (always rings)($4.28) are quite meaty, a good choice with an added bonus of fried basil, which i really like. When I thought we were finished eating, The Mister walked back into line and ordered the Chinese donuts ($4.28) which came out piping hot. These are a fried bread dough, not a typical donut batter, and served with both whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. A delightful end to another light meal.

Tapioca Express 4646 Convoy San Diego 92111 (858) 636-7889 Open Sun-Thurs 11:00-midnight, Fri-Sat 11:00-1 a.m. Website There are three stand alone San Diego locations as well as a few food court locations.

Kula – conveyor sushi- San Diego location

March 31, 2017 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! It's a food blog with three primary contributors: Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy. The guys are otherwise engaged and Cathy is writing todays post.

I wrote about Kula before this Kaiten-zushi chain opened a storefront in San Diego, two years ago. Getting there at opening is the best way to find a free parking spot; there's a new parking structure around the corner which charges you for the privilege of parking.

There is a Kyobee tablet (like an iPad) out front where you sign in, leaving your mobile number, which will notify you of how much longer your wait will be (and eventually tell you to 'Get back to the entrance!!!') . Again, get there at the 11 a.m. opening and viola! no wait. There are booths as well as bar seats for those wishing to eat alone (or not wait for a booth). The conveyor passes all of the seating areas. The first plate 'announces' what the following three plates contain and you can choose one by grabbing the edge of the covered plate and the protective covering lifts up. All of the choices from the conveyor are $2.25 each. Scallops, seared yellowtail, two pieces on each plate were a good portion. The large pieces of tuna were very fresh. This was the 'spicy popcorn shrimp roll'- two pieces of fried shrimp with a spicy sauce and masago on top served on top of two slices of crab roll. By far, the cucumber salad was my favorite this warm day; a fancy version, it comes with tamago, cuts of fish, octopus (or squid), and seaweed. Topped with some crunchy sesame seeds, it's a light meal in itself. The vinegar based dressing is refreshing.
At each seating area is a tablet with an order panel for additional items. There is a 'countdown clock' so you can expect the arrival (and know it is being prepared fresh). The item shows up right at your table, on a second belt. We ordered a few things.
The tempura vegetables with shrimp on rice ($5.80) was quite perfect in its fry technique. The rice was good to have with the rest of our meal. this came with a bowl of miso, making it a complete meal. The soft shell crab ($4.20) was another good choice. Again, perfectly fried We also ordered 'crispy squid' ($3.20), which was plentiful and fried just right.

When you are finished, you slide your green (from the conveyor) plates in that slot so they are counted. There are small 'prizes' that are discharged from a machine above the top belt, but you have to have inserted 15 plates to get that trinket.

All in all, a fun experience.

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

Anh Hong Pho Pasteur (revisit)

March 29, 2017 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of the food blog you are reading. For almost 12 years, Kirk has been posting. Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy have been assist posters. Today, it's a Cathy post.

Typing in 'Pho Pasteur Anh Hong' into the 'site search' box at the top left yields about 50 results. It's another regular stop for us, but I haven't posted about it in almost a year. It seems we are usually seated at this table and I have this view of the far corner back wall. Again, this was another brief lunch meeting for The Mister and I and we chose some items to share. The Banh Xeo is always made quite nicely here; crispy turmeric spiced pancake filled with lightly sautéed bean sprouts, fresh shrimp and pork. (It's served with a plate of lettuce leaves and mint, which I failed to photograph). A small but very full bowl of crab egg drop soup was ordered this day, both because of the chilly day and also because…crab. The wide fried rice noodles under this Chinese stir fry of vegetables with chicken was a nice choice.

Both Vietnamese and Chinese dishes are on the menu, which has over 200 items on eight pages is fun to explore.

Anh Hong Pho Pasteur 7612 Linda Vista road San Diego 92111 (858) 569-7515

Sab E Lee again (3 is medium)

March 28, 2017 Cathy Thai Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today. Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are otherwise engaged and not ready to write about their recent food adventures.

If you type in "Sab E Lee" in the 'Search' box at the top left corner of this page, you will get about 435 results. All of us here at mmm-yoso have been there, especially when it opened. We all enjoy the food. Kirk's most recent post was two years ago and he thought it was good grub, but not as outstanding as when it first opened. The Mister and I have become complacent and accustomed to Sab E Lee being a place to go for Issan style food and I've not even photographed some meals here. The food of Isaan is very hot and flavored with pungent herbs and seasonings, with some of Thailand's spiciest salads. The intense flavors of Isaan food is one way of managing an insecure food supply – very hot, flavorful dishes encourage diners to diffuse the flavors with a lot of sticky rice.

The small restaurant expanded out a bit last year, adding five tables and is centered with his beautiful sculpture.

The Mister and I had a small break in our day and met here for a quick meal, choosing the standard papaya salad ($7.95). Made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, small dried shrimp, green beans and topped with a mix of fish sauce, lime juice and chili (level 2). This is always so refreshing and wonderful. Larb ($8.95), char broiled ground meat or tofu or mushrooms (pork in this case) mixed with roughly ground toasted rice and fresh herbs (notably mint) and flavored with a fermented fish sauce, lime and chili is a great type of meat salad, served at room temperature with either rice or raw vegetables. It is always a favorite and my choice on especially hot days.

All in all, a very nice meal.

Sab E Lee 6925 Linda Vista Road San Diego, 92111 (858) 650-6868 Tues-Fri open 11-3:30 and 5-9:30 Saturday/Sunday 11-9:30, closed on Monday. Cash only