mmm-yoso – Page 357 – 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.

Tea Station (revisit)

June 11, 2013 Cathy Caffeine Fix, Taiwanese Food and Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Welcome back to mmm-yoso!!! This food blog is a compendium of road trips, vacations, food store shopping, events, meals, snacks, events and general food-centric posts. Kirk usually posts here, but is catching up from his recent vacation. Ed (from Yuma) is also recovering from his recent San Diego vacation. Cathy is writing today, about another meal during her staycation in the County.

I discovered Tea Houses and Boba places several years ago when one day a friend took me to one and realized that snacks were served in addition to beverages. It was so fascinating as well as tasty. Since then, I've written two individual posts about visits here. It's simple, good and a nice place to share a snack or meal with friends. (I'm the White girl on this blog and there were no Tea or Boba places when I was at the Unversity of Michigan…heck, there was no Zingerman's when I was there).

The exterior and expanded interior have remained the same; neat and clean. Once you order, a basket of utensils, bowls and napkins are brought to the table.

The teas and all beverages are made to order here, (which is why you can get a beverage with half, quarter or no sweetness added-something you can't always ask for from other boba shops because they use pre-mixed syrup bases) and this pot of Kuan-Yin (monkey picked) tea ($5) actually was brought to our table last, perfectly brewed. We usually ask for a bit more water to be added after we finish the first serving; the tea leaves are just about as strong on the second pour. (A brief explanation of 'monkey picked' meaning premium tea is here.)

One order of Taiwan sausage ($5.50)…my 2013 obsession (see this post ). Served with slices of raw garlic, the combination of the sweet in the sausage with the slight bitter of garlic is amazing.

Inside the menu was a "monthly special" card -the 'fried shrimp roll' ($3.99) was really a version of Vietnamese Tau Hu Ky (beancurd wrapped shrimp paste), which I order with bun at Vietnamese restaurants. You can see this is a large serving and that there were pieces of whole shrimp as well as paste inside the delicately fried tofu skin. This was excellent.

We were handed a "Daily Specials" ($6.50) card with the regular menu and the day we were here, the special was chicken curry (quite a bit of chicken, onion, carrots, potatoes and green pepper in a not spicy but a sweet, medium-hot Japanese curry). The football shaped mound of rice divides the curry from the three daily side dishes (which change). This day it was green beans with slices of dry tofu, delicate (rice) noodles with beef pieces and pickled vegetables with pork pieces. A tasty variety that complimented the semi-spice of the curry.

Another nice visit with good food and a really good pot of tea.

Tea Station 7315 Clairmont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92111 (858) 268-8198 Website

Little Sheep Hot Pot (vacation: Ed(from Yuma); staycation: Cathy)

June 10, 2013 Cathy Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog; a diary/record of meals consumed. By coincidence, all three of the 'regular' (opposed to 'normal') bloggers were on some sort of '-cation' last week and two shared a meal. That meal is documented here today.

While Kirk was vacationing (and using his passport), Ed (from Yuma) and His Lovely Tina, drove to San Diego (from Yuma) last week. With the use of the magical internet, they arranged to meet The Mister and I for lunch at Little Sheep. Kirk has posted about Little Sheep twice, both around the time the San Diego branch opened. More than two years ago, Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and I met here for a delightful lunch; one of a handful of times the three of us have shared a meal together. (This is a link to Kirbie's recent post about lunch specials here.)

Each table and seat at the bar is set with one or more single induction cooktops.

The hot pot is brought out filled with the appropriate spices for the hot pot base ordered ($3.75/person). We decided to try all three options- Spicy, Original (which has 36 spices) and Vegetarian. The pot magnetically attaches to the induction heat source and, although hot, will get to simmering in a few minutes.

We decided not to order the $9.99 Lunch Specials, since that would mean the same group of vegetables with the only variable being the type of meat. Instead, we chose our own items. These, which were brought out first, would cook in the broths first (a faux pas, I know: the meat should be brought out first to flavor the broth), before the simmer happened. From the far right, going clockwise: frozen tofu ($2.95), oyster mushrooms ($4.95), yam noodle ($4.95), lamb wonton($6.5o) and the beautiful bowl of veggie combo platter ($9.95). I must say, we made excellent choices. Everything was outstanding, working a bit differently with the varied broths. We all agreed the most interesting and flavorful vegetable from the 'veggie combo platter' was tangho. It was slightly bitter and kept a good texture in the hot pot. We also agreed the oyster mushrooms were really tasty and meaty.

Our thinly sliced meats were brought out soon enough. We ordered the pork ($5.95), chicken ($5.95) and beef and lamb plate ($10.95)…each meat cooked quickly in the bubbling cauldron (which was refilled with broth) and again took on a different taste depending on the spices in each section. Again, we made excellent choices.

At the end of the meal and after catching up with each other and discussing Kirk and His Missus and what we knew of their vacation, we assessed the meal and none of us could find anything we didn't like: it was that good.

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot and Grill 4718 Clairmont Mesa Blvd, San Diego 92117 (858)274-2040 Opens 11:30 a.m. daily. Closed between 3 and 5:30 p.m. M-F. Closes at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m. other days. Website

We’re back!!!

June 9, 2013 mmm-yoso Italy, Lisbon, Malta, Portugal, Rome, Travel

After an almost 24 hour trip, we made it home last night. Tired, but still excited over what we saw and ate, the Missus even more so over the weight I lost…..all that walking.

So while my internal clock gets adjusted and I catch up at work, here's a few clues as to the third country we visited. It was one with a close tie to Rhodes, which we visited last year….I know, I still have to get to those posts.

Though a small country, there's a ton of history here……the kinds of stuff I used to read as a kid. Knights, castles, a walled city, invading Turks!

The narrow streets and hills totally reminded me of San Francisco.

We visited one of the cathedrals in the city. Later that evening as we were passing by, we heard music emanating from the Cathedral.

We peeked in and saw several vocalists and an orchestra rehearsing. Instead of shooing us out, we were welcomed to sit and watch.

The next day we inquired about the concert and were told it was free!

So that evening we attended the performance that had an interesting history. It had only been performed once in the last hundred years! Where else can you attend a concert in a historic, 450 year old cathedral by the national philharmonic and choir for free?

We were especially surprised by the food. We hadn't hear much about this country's cuisine and was pleasantly surprised. Because of it's history, the chef's here seemed less burdened by too much tradition and we had dishes with quinoa and black rice. Still, the traditional and local food was excellent. I was especially surprised by how delicious the Fried Rabbit Liver and Melon salad was.

We also spent a couple of nights in a village where 70% of the country's fishing boats are located.

The colorful traditional blue and yellow fishing boats are still adorned with the "Eyes of Osiris". We found out that this boat design goes back to Phoenician times.

Of course the seafood was excellent.

The traditional items like Horse Stew were excellent as well.

We loved the people here. Much like the folks in Portugal, they are warm and friendly….and some, like the baker who we found down a small flight of stairs tending a 168 year old wood burning stove have large personalities.

We ordered a pizza with traditional ingredients that was very good and got his life story to boot!

All in all, it was a fantastic visit.

Even though the country is small, there's a ton of history. We managed to snag reservations for a UNESCO protected site that allows only 60 visitors a day. It was amazing.

Soon we headed back to busy Rome.

Sadly, Michelin starred Metamorphosi had to cancel our reservations because of some special event. We ended up having a wonderful meal anyway. Here's the fried lamb's brains.

We ended our trip in a town outside of Lisbon. The setting was almost out of a fairy tale, King's, Queen's, castles, and even a palace on top of a hill.

Since it was highly recommended that we take the bus up the mountain, the Missus decided that we should climb walk up.

We had quite a time!

I'll need a couple of days to regroup and recover. So until then, Cathy's still in charge. See you again shortly.

E & Drink – revisit

June 8, 2013 Cathy Taiwanese Food and Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

E & Drink has closed

Thanks for visiting mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy are the usual contributors to the posts you are reading. Today, it's another post from Cathy, because Kirk is busy and Ed(from Yuma) is also busy.

I posted about E & Drink almost a year ago and it's become a semi-regular stop when I'm either in the mood for hot pot, or just a quick snack before shopping at 99Ranch. They finally have visible signage.

There are a few snacks at the front area instead of going into the restaurant (where you can order a to go beverage, a tea egg or a Hong Kong style waffle) (I can't believe I've never taken a photo of one from E&Drink, but can't find any saved on my iPhone to share).

If you are seated, there a quite a few tables inside and outside, a couple of televisions with closed captioning and very friendly service by everyone working.

The Mister had ordered a Hot Pot lunch special, which comes with a choice of black or green/ hot or cold tea. Several small bowls of side dishes and dipping sauces meant to compliment our order are brought out with the beverages.

I ordered , among other items, the fried squid balls; no carbs and always good.

The Szechewan spicy wonton ($4.99) are sometimes a craving I have.

The wontons are not too small, are made with a good wrapper that is not too thick yet not thin enough that it breaks easily, filled with a good amount of ground pork and the spicy sauce is very pleasant and not crazy spicy in heat level.

Another favorite of mine is the marinated tofu ($2.99). I'm not sure how they make this, but it's different than marinated tofu I've purchased elsewhere. A good, firm tofu and a very nice marinade makes this another crave-able item for me.

The Mister's mini Hong Kong curry fish ball mini hot pot (lunch special, with rice and a beverage $10.99) arrived bubbling and with its own sterno heater…so you can have a hot pot that stays hot.

Much more than fish balls are in this hot pot-and all of it fresh. The menu doesn't list ingredients, but you can see the variety. The curry sauce is very pleasant and has an almost sweet undertone; definitely not crazy spicy.

I couldn't decide which photo showed more of the ingredients. You can see the quail egg and some of the clear noodles in this photo. Each hot pot here is quite large and always is very good. Each beverage I've ordered here, I have asked for less or no sugar and have been quite pleased with the quality. I can taste the tea in the tea milk orders.

E & Drink 7330 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 560-9888 Open 7 days 10:30-midnight

Orange Blossom Cafe- a crépe and coffee in Solana Beach

June 7, 2013 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, Desserts, What Cathy Eats!

It's the weekend for mmm-yoso!!! and time to blog about food . Kirk is still vacationing as is Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy continues 'staycationing' around the County, writing about her adventures.

One late morning, The Mister and I drove along the Pacific Coast and slowed down just as we passed Del Mar. There was a sandwich board on the street…

and in the back of the parking area, we saw this Cafe.

We were in Solana Beach, the Cedros Design District (on Cedros Avenue). A few street blocks filled with businesses of design, art, photography, gift shops, consignment shops, furnishings, decor and dining.

Walking into the small restaurant (there is more seating outside than inside), we were greeted by the person cooking crépes behind the counter and started to look around.

The menu items are written on the walls.

After finishing making the crépes for another couple having a late breakfast, our order was taken. We were given our coffee beverage (really good coffee) and I snapped this photo of our crépe being made.

We had ordered the "Brie" crépe ($9.95). the description of Brie, Proscuitto and apricot jam was intriguing and sweet-salty seemed like something we would like to share.

I noticed two things happen after we ordered; the first was something being sprinkled onto the crépe batter as it was placed on the grill…second noticed was that the Prosciutto was placed onto the other crépe pan, and was warmed before it was placed into the savory-sweet crépe. Smart.

What I had seen being sprinkled was an evenly dispersed shake of herbes de provence; a perfect seasoning for just about everything… you can see it in the cooked crépe, along with some of the Prosciutto and apricot jam…{I later read the menu and found out that the sweet crépes have cinnamon-sugar sprinkled into the batter; that's something I haven't seen with other crépe places and quite special}

The there was the Brie, wonderfully melted throughout the other half of the crépe, making it a really perfect blend of flavors. This was worth the stop.

Orange Blossom Cafe 224 S. Cedros Solana Beach, CA 92075 (858) 847-3105 Website 8am-4pm Tue-Sun

The 2013 San Diego County Fair: Part One (before it opens)

June 6, 2013 Cathy Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog. Sometimes we aren't writing about specific foods. This is one of those times. (Cathy is writing today's post).

Here is a link to Part Two

The 2013 San Diego County Fair opens on Saturday (June 8). I happened to be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds two weeks ago and again this week and have noted the progression of construction and installation preparing the Fairgrounds to host the largest County Fair in California and the fourth largest County Fair in the USA.

The statue of Don Diego was 'normal' and the front gate was being constructed…

The entrance is an ode to the theme of "Game's On", the theme of the Fair. You can see Don Diego is dressed as a video game character, Super Mario.

On my initial visit, the Midway was barely set… the Ferris Wheel wasn't even up.

This week, the Souvenier Booths to the right were more sturdily decorated and were being filled with inventory. The Ferris Wheel was still a skeleton, and only 3/4 of that skeleton was constructed.

In the Home and Hobby section two weeks ago, entries of Preserved Foods were waiting to be judged…

as were crafts

and quilts.

Home and Hobby entries have been judged and are set on display.

As have the collections, coins, spinning and weaving, crocheting, models and miniatures and the 20 or so other categories of competition in the 2013 Fair.
However, I've digressed…most people don't realize the purpose of the County Fair- a place for farmers to gather and show, display and compete the (literal) fruits of their labor after the harvest.

Instead, most of us come here for the food. Two weeks ago, some booths were being dropped off.

Chicken Charlie's is at the San Diego County Fair first (when the Fair ends, it moves North to other California County Fairs) and was able to be set up two weeks ago.

The rest of the booths have filled in the empty spaces surrounding Chicken Charlie's.

(You can click onto any of the thumbnails to enlarge a photo.)

So much work is left to be done before the 10 a.m. opening Saturday morning. Make your plans now. It's going to be a good one!

The San Diego County Fair June 8-July 4. Closed Mondays June 10, 17 and 24. Click here to see new food and drink offered this year. Website

59th and Lex Cafe (The Restaurant inside Bloomingdales)

June 5, 2013 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog you are reading. Kirk writes here most of the time, but he's way busy right now, flying to another leg of his vacation. Ed(from Yuma) happens to be way busy driving to a leg of his vacation. Cathy is writing about another stop in San Diego, legging it around town for her staycation.

A drive to Fashion Valley Mall, where The Mister and I haven't been at all this year, was our destination the other afternoon. After walking around and noting the changes in stores since our last visit, we stepped into Bloomingdales, an anchor store at the East end of the mall. Taking the escalator to the third floor and looking up, there were Alexander Calder-esque mobiles hanging from the ceiling.

You can see them looking up from this view from the top of the escalator. Now look straight ahead. That's the destination- 59th and Lex, the small in store restaurant with the black and white striped walls.

We were seated and asked for water, which was brought out quickly. The tables had the usual condiments, cloth napkins and nicer placemats on the sky blue tables

After we ordered, some fresh, warm sourdough bread with whipped unsalted butter was brought out. (You can see the mobiles hanging from the ceiling over the escalators).

The Mister couldn't decide and ordered the Trio Platter ($13.10). Good sized servings of excellent egg salad, tuna salad and chicken salad on top of a bed of greens, carrots, cucumber and tomatoes which had a pleasant, fresh (whipped so it looked creamy) lemon vinaigrette salad dressing. The three scoops of salads were each unique and excellent. So many times I've not been able to tell the difference betweent a tuna salad and a chicken salad. That's not true here; each was made with a very minimal amount of mayonnaise and the chicken was very definitely chicken and the tuna was definitely tuna and the egg salad…oh my, the egg salad. Really, three fresh, perfect salads, all on top of the really nice mixed vegetable salad.

Of course, I couldn't decide what I wanted, either so decided on the soup and half sandwich($9.75). The (fresh made) Soups of the Day were cream of zucchini and split pea. I love split pea soup, so thought I'd try it. It was, again, so very fresh, so very well made, did not need added seasonings. I'm thinking the cream of zucchini was equally wonderful. I chose the sliced turkey on wheat bread for my half sandwich. The bread was fresh and moist and the simple turkey with lettuce and tomato was just a perfect blend of flavors. The sandwich was made without mustard or mayonnaise and I was asked if I wanted either and those were brought out on the side.

This is another really good sit down in the (non-grocery) store restaurant, as nice as the one inside Nieman Marcus and similar to Nordstrom, The Bass Pro Shop and Ikea.

59th and Lex Cafe 7007 Friars Road San Diego 92108 (inside Bloomingdales at Fashion Valley Mall) (619) 610-6558

Jungle Java-coffee and a snack (Ocean Beach)

June 4, 2013 Cathy Caffeine Fix, What Cathy Eats!

Hello and welcome to mmm-yoso!!! This food centric blog has posts relating to the how and/or why of an eventual food experience. Kirk is busy having and documenting His experiences, Ed(from Yuma) is busy planning His experiences and Cathy's had another experience and is sharing today.

Yes, The Mister and I drove to the Ocean again, this time on an overcast day.

We drove a bit South, making our first stop at the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

We then drove North a bit, stopping at the Ocean Beach Pier, again.

Walking up Newport Street on the same block as the beach, this bright inset storefront stood out.

We walked inside, passing plants for sale, stacks of used newspapers and books, parked bicycles, an eclectic seating area and many locals, including some fresh from the ocean surfers.

Near the center of the space (the covered area) was the area to order.

We then found an empty table near the back. More plants for sale. Good espresso.

Soon, our order of a "Belgium Bites" ($6)-freshly baked waffle, topped with sliced banana and accompanied by peanut butter and honey- was brought over to the table. This was a nice combination of flavors, just enough to share and hit the spot.

The fireplace is going when the evenings are cool.

You can see the main counter is a former Coffee Cart. Total cost for a regular coffee, double shot of espresso and the waffle was < $10.

A nice, friendly, neighborhood coffee and snack place with free wifi and great coffee.

Jungle Java 5047 Newport Avenue San Diego 92107 (619)224-0249 Fri, Sat, Sun open until 8 p.m.

A snack with a view- Torrey Pines Glider Port: Cliff Hanger Cafe

June 3, 2013 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, the food blog, is where you have landed via the interweb. Kirk is off to another Country, Ed(from Yuma) is in Yuma and Cathy is writing about beautiful San Diego County.

The Mister and I are still Staycationing in this beautiful County. The other day, we again drove West to a location we used to visit regularly, near UCSD, Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. I had been here in March after lunch with Dennis, who posted about the glider port in 2008 and canine cologne, who wrote a post on her blog about our visit here.

When you park at the far (North) end of the dirt parking lot then walk West, you'll see a narrow pathway.

Which you must not veer from.

Looking South, you can see the town of La Jolla in the distance and the small business just ahead.

Looking West, you can see paragliders preparing to take off.

Walking over to the covered patio, there is a small store selling paragliding equipment, t-shirts, mugs and also offering paragliding instruction/buddy courses. The other store serves soups, sandwiches, beverages and baked goods.