mmm-yoso – Page 230 – 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.

Madrid – El Rincon Asturiano II

April 14, 2017 mmm-yoso Madrid, Spain, Spanish Restaurants and Cuisine, Steakhouse, Travel

We arrived back in Madrid on a rather, at least the time quiet late Sunday afternoon. In spite of really enjoying Seville we were pooped….and headed home the next day. Just as on our arrival, we stayed near Atocha Station at the AC Carlton in walking distance to the train station and bus to the airport.

We decided on something close by and the front desk folks recommended a steakhouse named El Rincon Asturiano II which was close by.

We walked in….there was a grill near the doorway and was met with quizzical looks. The folks asked if we had reservations and we said no, so they whisked us down the block to another El Rincon Asturiano II??? Go figure. Though this place looked a lot more, well, local….with a bar set-up.

We were told to return in 15 minutes and a table would be made ready. So we took a stroll and returned and they indeed had a table ready.

Like I said before; El Rincon is basically a steakhouse who raise their own cattle from the region of Asturias in Northwest Spain. We decided to order a couple of items that the Missus was interested in and try out one of the "smaller" steaks.

Things started out with a gratis chorizo wrapped in pastry.

The Missus wanted the mushroom with jamon – Setas asturianas con jamon iberico.

A rather simple, but satisfying dish….the jamon added a nice saltiness to things.

Seeing it on the menu; the Missus had to get the callos.

This was a meat lover's version of Callos Madrilenos (tripe stewed in the style of Madrid ). It was quite thick, though very mild in flavor, the tripe quite tender, the morcilla – blood sausage, was fairly bland. It was nice and hearty, but the Missus still preferred the version from Posada de la Villa.

I wanted to try the beef and went with a smaller portion of Solomillo a la plancha, basically sirloin, "en su punto"; medium rare. Which it was.

Well, perhaps more "poco hecho" (rare) as it was "vivo, que muja"…..alive and still mooing! The steak had all characteristics of grass fed beef; an intense beefiness, with a chewy, toothsome texture. It was nicely salted without much else, which I enjoyed.

The chips were quite routine.

The Missus had a couple of glasses of wine; I had a couple of beers.

Quite a restrained last meal in Spain….but we wanted it that way.

El Rincon Asturiano
Calle Delicias 26
Madrid, Spain

I mentioned how much we really didn't care for the cattlepen like international gates at Madrid-Barajas Airport. So we decided to do what we usually do in Spain. Search for some Jamon Bellotta Pata Negra, bread, and olive oil to sustain us. We decided to walk up to Puerto del Sol…..

Along the way we passed a very peaceful demonstration.

And the Missus got to see what might be Her favorite landmark in Madrid; the Tio Pepe sign at night.

Unfortunately, our go to for jamon; Ferpal was closed. Luckily, we had a "plan B". The department store, El Cortes Ingles was open….just like Japan, there's a market/food area in the basement. One of the gourmet stores sells "5J" Jamon Bellotta Pata Negra and we picked up a pack of single use olive oil as well.

We wandered about the square….you never know what you'll see here. Like the guy I call the "Electric Cowboy". All lit up and shining brightly. I was a bit concerned that the drizzle was going to turn him into the "Electrocuted Cowboy", but he was safe on this evening.

We walked back to our hotel…passing familiar sights, like the "Vertical Garden" on Caxia Forum Square. All lit up brightly at night.

Things seemed so familiar now…..

As, unfortunately were the international gates at Madrid-Barajas Airport. But, having been through here before, we were "saved by the jamon" again!

Next stop….home.

Thanks for reading!

Tribute Pizza

April 12, 2017 mmm-yoso Italian Restaurants, Pizza

For a few weeks before we left on our trip, the Missus was really into pizza. She's kind of over Bruno for now and wanted to try other places. Of the several we tried; two became Her favorites and warranted, in some cases multiple visits. One of these was a place recommended by my good friend Candice……Tribute Pizza.

Located in the renewed and revitalized old Post Office on the corner of Grim and North Park Way, in what is now called the "North Park Post Office Lofts", and catty corner to one of my favorites, Lucky's Golden Phenix. We both liked the wide open industrial, but comfortable space, and the seats were in themselves fine. There's an interesting gastropub meets pizzeria vibe here. A big plus; the staff is very nice as well, with an ok beer list.

As you can tell in the photo on the right…..I guess some folks really want to take a photo of the place!

In addition to pizzas there's the now required cheese and charcuterie plates, which looked quite large and a couple of salads; like the "put on a egg on it brussels salad" ($11).

The Missus loves Her brussel sprouts and these were nicely shaved and topped with a lovely egg yolk. So you'd think She'd be just all over this. Strangely, She didn't care too much for this, as the dressing was a bit too sour and the egg yolk and pecorino romano really didn't add that mild savoriness and sweetness that brings out the best in brussel sprouts. In talking to our wonderful Server about this salad; we found out that we might…depending on how busy the kitchen is, get lardons and Balsamic on this salad as well….which would definitely make it a winna'. So perhaps in the future…..

Hands down, our favorite item here is the wonderful; yeasty, warm, slight crusty Sea Salt Focaccia paired with the spicy, spreadable salumi known as 'Nduja ($9).

The 'Nduja here has a nice bite to it and reminds us of a good porky spread tinged with Harissa.

When it comes to first trying out a new pizza place, the Missus prefers simple, and it doesn't get more basic than a Margherita ($13).

First off; the crust, like the focaccia, had a wonderful flavor and texture. For some reason, the rest fell rather flat. We didn't care for the tomato sauce, which we found watery and bland…….I look for that tangy-mild sweetness, that I call the "flavor of sunshine" and this didn't really have that. While I love the fork and knife style, slightly "wet", Neopolitan style pizza, the middle was way too soggy for us. The mozzarella was good, light milky-saltiness, but strangely, we found the basil tasteless. A mixed bag overall.

But the service had been great and we decided to return mainly for this.

And damn if this wasn't even better this time around; being a bit thicker and heartier.

If you've read enough posts, you know the Missus loves Her meatballs (yes, I know, there's a joke in there just waiting to come out), so we had to order it ($13).

We both loved the roasted peppers and onions; adding a bit of sweetness and pungency to a rather heavy version of meatballs. Ditto with the parmigiano reggiano, layering a bit of milky-saltiness. I actually enjoyed the very "meaty", yet moist and tender meatballs more than the Missus. She said these were a bit too heavy for Her, but still enjoyed them. The sauce was very hearty and thick, almost spreadable, a root vegetable marinara, that was very tasty.

Of course we had to try another pizza. And the theme of "Tribute", are well, tributes to other famous pizzas…..so we decided on the tribute to Chris Bianco's Pizzeria Bianco. If you're interested, Ed from Yuma has done posts on both Pane Bianco and Tratto. Anyway, we ordered the Biancoverde with Prosciutto de Parma ($18).

The crisp, slightly bitter arugula, savory-salty prosciutto, and garlic was such a nice match for the yeasty-bready crust. Chili flake kept your attention and the ricotta some creaminess and milky flavors along with the mozzarella. This was a nice pizza and one we'll have again.

For us, it seems that the star of the show at Tribute is the dough…..that focaccia and pizza crust is quite nice. We've really liked the friendly and helpful service as well. Interesting thing about ordering; when you walk in, you head up to the counter and can place your drink and/or food order there, before heading off to a table.

So, I guess the Missus is finally totally over Her "no-bread" phase in life….it makes for much better eating for us! And thanks as always for the recommendation Candice!

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104
Hours:
Tues – Thurs 5pm – 10pm
Fri 4pm – 11pm
Sat 11am – 11pm
Sun 11pm – 9pm

Tokyo – Horumon Dedesuke

April 11, 2017 mmm-yoso Japan, Japanese Restaurants, Tokyo, Kamakura, and the Kantō Region, Travel

It was great being back in Japan. Because this was going to be a rather short trip, our days were going to be quite busy and we'd be making good use of our JR Pass and Suica Card. While our flight to Narita was going to be arriving at around 5pm; I figured that by the time we got thru customs (pretty quick in Japan), got our pocket wifi, activated our JR Pass, got our train tickets for the following day, get to Tokyo Station, and check into our hotel, it would be around 830 or so. Which was a good estimate. Even though 9 or even midnight is not especially late in Tokyo; I still didn't want to be hunting around for a place to eat.

The Missus had really enjoyed the Horumon (offal) we'd had on our previous trip, I decided to make reservations at Horumon Dedesuke which was a mere 10 minute walk from our hotel in Ginza.

We found the place with little problem; having downloaded a photo of the storefront and using Google Maps.

One of the few phrases in Japanese I do know is "Yoyaku shitemasu xxxx des." As in "I have a booking for….." And they did have seats ready for us in a tiny corner as the place was packed.

In spite of flying Business Class…the seats on the San Diego – Narita route 787s don't go all the way to 180 degrees, so we didn't get much shut eye and we were kind of tired. So, a nice cold "nama biru" was just the thing. The Missus had a nice HiBall.

Our table top grill was prepped and some vegetables brought out and we were on our way……

First up, what was called the "Root of Tongue" on the menu……

This is the rear portion of the beef tongue; it was seasoned perfectly, was surprisingly tender, and very "beefy".

We found that we didn't need to use any of the typical provided sauces for any of the cuts we had. all were nicely seasoned.

Next to arrive was the one cooked dish; the Stewed Beef Tendon.

The "sauce" was that tasty salty-sweet we associate with Japanese cuisine; with an added Korean (as is with most Yakiniku places) touch of spice.

The tendon and associated beef parts were amazingly tender and a joy to eat.

I love "Harami"; skirt steak, so we ordered the prime skirt.

Man, this was really tender and beefy, just needing a slight sear on the grill…..rare was the best way to have this.

And then the "offal-ness" of it all started, with a triple threat.

With….from the left to the right; sliced small intestine, thymus gland, and large intestine. The small intestine was superb; quite fatty, toothsome, with a mild, pleasant, and surprisingly "clean" flavor to it. The large intestine, as expected was much more chewy, more "offal-ly", though also enjoyable. When I saw thymus gland on the menu, I immediately thought "veal sweetbreads", which is what I'm used too. These were quite tough and chewy; I'm thinking they were taken from an adult cow? That was probably the least enjoyable item we had.

This was a very good meal to start off our trip. The Missus has really taken to yakiniku and horumon. I just wished we had more of it here.

Horumondedesuke (ホルモンでですけ)

3-3-9 Ginza

Chuo, Tokyo

As we slowly strolled back to our hotel, we took it all in, the bright lights, the immenseness of it all, yet balanced out with the clean, the quiet……it was great being back in Tokyo.

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.