mmm-yoso – Page 362 – 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.

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.

The Mister purchased a large coffee and a very fresh banana-chocolate chip muffin (total cost was <$4)

While we sat on the newly re-paved patio, on this beautiful cloud free day, we watched a paraglider preparing…

then taking off.

Later, we saw two other paragliders appearring to cross paths. It's so quiet and peaceful out here; a nice place for a mini vacation.

I hope your week is going well.

Cliff Hanger Cafe (858)452-9858 Link to menu 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive La Jolla 92037

Torrey Pines Glider Port Website

Where in the world were we?

June 2, 2013 mmm-yoso Italy, Rome, Travel

I hope you're enjoying this series of almost real time posts.

We've moved on from Portugal. So where did we go next? Here are some photos that may help.

Think you have an idea?

Well here's a wildcard….

Hmmmm……

Confused? Well let me tell you I was as well.

Ok……. I am trying to throw you a bunch of curveballs.

I think these photos will make it very clear.

Needless to say, we've been eating very well.

We've since moved on, but will be returning here in a few days.

So where are we now? Stay tuned!!!

Posted with Blogsy

2014 Rose Parade float road test #1-and quick breakfast at Lucky Boy (Pasadena)

June 1, 2013 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, Road Trip, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is not only a food blog, but also a blog about events surrounding food adventures. Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) are both busy enjoying their adventures and Cathy is sharing her latest adventure, which involve a meal.

Yes, it's that time already. The Tournament of Roses has planned its January 1, 2014 Parade (with a theme of "Dreams Come True") and invited participants, who designed floats around that theme for the Parade and the renderings have come to life at the Phoenix Decorating Company's Rose Palace and seven floats had their first of three road tests early this morning.

When we arrived on Raymond Street around 7 a.m., the seven floats were lined up and inspectors were at each one, checking various hydraulics, mechanics and other safety items.

The City of Alhambra's 'Monster Truck' is taking on its basic shape.

The Rotary International 2014 parade float looks like it will end up being colorful as well as playful. Lollipops???

The Lions Club International is a small replica of "Matteo's Dream" , a park for children of all abilities that's in Concord, California.

The Kiwanis 2014 float, "Bridging Children's Dreams" has taken shape. The tree is in the position it needs to be in to be able to fit under street and signal lights on the parade route. The dove flying from the tip of the tree looks like it will be very colorful.

This is the rebar construction of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Right now, it looks like a teddy bear wearing a cape, pushing off from a a heart at the base of his feet.

The Lutheran Hour Ministries float, with a theme of "Jesus Welcomes All" has this rendition on the internet. It looks like the fauna surrounding the church building will be quite large and colorful. The closer, more colorful float in the above photo is the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs entry. This view is the side the cameras won't show on television during the parade and it still is very colorful and detailed.

The floats took their turns driving down to the end of the street and turning around without incident and before 9 a.m., the frst day of road testing was over. Time for breakfast.

The Mister and I walked over the Metro tracks and one block North on Arroyo to a favorite 24 hour walk up and eat outdoors restaurant.

Predictably, I ordered our usual…

My lettuce, tomato and egg on rye toast ($3.25)…again, perfect.

The one pound three egg, hash browns and bacon burrito ($6.25). Served on the grilled giant tortilla, this was a huge meal. Which we shared…

You see, when we were awake and walking out of the house at 5 a.m., two of our dogs thought we were going for a walk…so we put them in the car and brought them on this road trip.

I hope all of you are having a nice weekend!

Yogurt Swirl-(Mira Mesa)-Yogurt and Shaved Snow

May 31, 2013 Cathy Desserts, Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) just have no time to blog today. Cathy has plenty of time, so she's sharing this little food find.

One overcast morning last week looked gloomy, but was going to be warm, according to the weather report on the radio. Planning ahead (and satisfying a craving), The Mister and I drove toward Mira Mesa Boulevard. The mall across Black Mountain (same side of MMB) from Lucky Seafood seemed to be a good place to stop.

Located next to Pho Cow Cali Express (and a soon to open Indian Supermarket), I was inspired to finally stop here for a snack after seeing several posts on the Pink Candles blog, written by friend and fellow blogger, canine cologne. I also read Kirbie's post about shaved snow, Mary's viewpoint of Yogurt Swirl and Jinxi's post describing shaved snow last October.

When you walk in the door, you see the usual frozen yogurt serve yourself stations straight ahead.

The Mister took a small amount of yogurt flavors to try. The plain yougurt is wonderfully tart, the way I like it. The chocolate had a very pronounced cocoa flavor. His third choice, strawberry, had no artificial color (as you can see) and it tasted very much like fresh (not artificial) strawberry.

Turn to the left when you walk in and there's the area where you order, pay, get toppings…and in the far corner to the right-see it?

The snow ice shaver. We ordered a small mocha flavored snow and the nice lady went to the back and brought out that rounded block of ice creamy goodness, placed it in under the clear dome and started the machine going with the foot pedal.

We were given a choice of two toppings, one from each side of the divider. (Sweetened condensed milk also comes with the shaved snow, but I thought that would take away from the flavor and declined).

The small mocha flavored snow ($4.99) is quite a substantial size. The 'larger' size is $2 more and basically you can have another flavor of snow, served on a large plate(it looked to be 7"x7"). The snow had a very good combination of coffee and chocolate as its flavor. The chopped almonds seemd a natural topping to mix with the flavors and the side of sweet choices had a coffee jelly among choices, but also had those cute, multicolored mini mochi. The above photo doesn't quite show how large a serving is, but The Mister and I shared and neither of us went home hungry.

Now for pictures that will clarify any descriptions. Shaved. Slices. Snow Light, thin, easily melt in your mouth goodness of cold ice cream.

Through and through your serving bowl, light airy, flaky. This is a wonderful cold treat and I will seek out other versions around town, but am very happy here at Yogurt Swirl.

Yogurt Swirl 9168 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego 92126 (858) 693-9999 Mon-Th noon-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm, Sun 11 am-9 pm

Takka Sushi Bar & Grill-Santee

May 30, 2013 Cathy Japanese Restaurants, Sushi and Sashimi, What Cathy Eats!

Hi there and welcome to mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today while Kirk is busy vacationing and Ed (from Yuma) is busy planning on vacationing.

In between 'staycationing' around this large County of San Diego, there have been daily chores, gardening, tying loose ends and general catching up. On the days when neither The Mister nor I feel like cooking, we've found a place close to home. In the same mall as Pho Ca Do, which Kirk posted about in February, is Santee's newest (and fifth) Sushi bar.

Located across the street from the Post Office, this location is convenient for anyone who shops at the Costco a block away. You'll notice the signage indicating traditional rolls are 50% off. Special rolls are 30% off. I still don't understand this whole marketing of discounted rolls, since I never have seen any sold at full price.

Neat and clean, the fairly large space (there's an additional zashiki room (you sit on pillows on the floor) in the back) has a sushi bar spanning the length of the room- more than 12 seats. Of course there are two televisions on the wall behind the sushi bar.

Tea here is $1 per person. It's green tea.

The meals we have ordered here usually start out with a small bowl of miso soup. It's unremarkable.

One time we ordered the Rainbow Roll ('regular' price $13 final price $6.50)

This roll is remarkable in that there isn't much rice. I sometimes feel some places overfill their rolls with rice and that takes away from the fish flavor. However the rice used here is a very good sushi rice.

The mixed tempura vegetable appetizer ($4.25) is properly fried, light and crispy, not greasy.

The spicy tuna salad ($7.95) was quite spicy. I had to add soy sauce to 'cut' some of the heat. The vegetables were fresh and crispy and there was a good amount of tuna, but the 'spicy' kind of ruined it for me. The Mister ordered the chicken Katsu don meal, which came with the above salad as well as a choice of gyoza or California roll. The gyoza was filled with a good amount of pork and was very fresh tasting. The chicken Katsu was lightly breaded, fried crispy and topped with a soft scramble of egg, a house made Katsu sauce that was slightly sweet and slightly spicy and some sesame seeds. It was *very* good.

One visit, we shared the agedashi tofu ($3.25). Lightly (corn starch or potato starch) coated and fried crispy soft tofu served in a warm dashi-mirin-soy based broth. Again, very good and something I could eat as a main dish…

The Veggie Roll ('regular' price $8, so final price $4) and Hamachi Maki ('regular' $6 final price $3). The hamachi was unremarkable, the Veggie Roll I will get again. There is the 'inner roll' that is wrapped with seaweed, a thin layer of good sushi rice and the final outer roll is wrapped with soy paper. I liked this one.

The Rainbow Salad ($12.95) is an even better version of the Rainbow Roll. No rice, plenty of all the same fish that are on the Rainbow Roll on top of crispy lettuces, cucumber and other vegetables topped with a not overpowering sesame-soy based dressing.

Takka is a nice addition to the neighborhood.

Takka Sushi Bar & Grill 9535 Mission Gorge Road Santee 92071 (619) 562-8006 Mon-Sat 11-9, Sun 12:30-9

Te Mana Cafe- Aloha in a cup- Ocean Beach

May 29, 2013 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Caffeine Fix, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! That's the name of this food blog. Thanks for stopping by. Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are not writing today; they're both busy following planned events. Cathy is writing about another 'staycation' in San Diego.

The Mister and I drove West early one bright morning. We parked, walked down Newport Avenue, saw the Ocean Beach Pier and not many parked cars indicating any open businesses, so went back to the car and started driving around, seeking at least some good coffee and maybe breakfast.

We ended up on the West end of Voltaire Street and saw a lot of vehicles parked in front of this old Craftsman style home.

We parked in front of Litickers Market, an unassuming Liquor store that has a taqueria inside. (It does not open until 8 a.m. and we were there around 7 a.m..) Walking across the street, we saw this sandwich board…and a line of people inside the former family home of the restaurant's owners. Kirk, of course, is Hawaiian and would be able to speak about the authenticity of Te Mana; I've never been to Hawaii and just know what I've read. In any case, I must say the mood when you walk in is happy, friendly, laid back and we felt welcome here. The colorful atmosphere made us feel as if we were elsewhere and I would think Hawaii feels like this. Then there's good food…

When you walk in, there is a seating area to the left, complete with the fireplace of the home.

There's a coffee table with a bowl of Dove candy samples…an old coin operated phone on the wall…wonderfully healthy flowering plants…

To the right is another area with tables and chairs and accoutrement for coffee. (Along with more Dove candy samples…)

Straight ahead is where you place your order. Espresso machine to the left.

Menu on the wall in the back.

and—AND looking to your left and back toward the seating area- a pour over coffee area (cleverly crafted from an old skateboard deck).

We placed our order, including a 'regular' (drip) coffee- Kona flavor ($1.75) and sat outside in the front yard, which has plenty of seating. The Kona coffee was the best I've ever had. It was *fresh* and had a darker flavor (usually I think Kona is kind of 'hollow' flavored). Then the owner brought out a fresh made pastry ($3) (raspberry-almond; which was flaky pastry and a dense almond-paste-flavorful and quite large) we had ordered, along with our "pour over' cup of Ethiopian coffee ($2.95), which was *wonderful*…I could taste all the different spicy and sweet 'notes' of flavor. Worth it.

Soon, the owner's son (Te Mana is family owned and run) brought us our "Morning Mana" plate ($6.95). This photograph is not the best indicator of the size of the main course- it's a disk 4 inches in diameter and about two inches high- of scrambled eggs, basil and Havarti cheese. The amount and quality of the creamy scrambled egg mix and 'sides' of tomato, avocado, kiwi, strawberry and banana makes this a very hearty platter.

Here's a view of the front door when there were no comings and goings for a moment. Te Mana is another family owned hidden gem serving carefully prepared wonderful food and coffee. Definitely worth finding and a stop.

Te Mana Cafe 4956 Voltaire Street San Diego 92107 (619)255-9233 Website

The Fish Bucket Grill-San Carlos

May 28, 2013 Cathy Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

The Fish Bucket has closed.

You are reading mmm-yoso!!! a food blog. Kirk is exhausted (from vacationing), Ed (from Yuma) is exhausted from appointments and Cathy is exhausted from catching up on a lot of neglected chores. Today she is writing about a quick meal out.

I wrote about The Fish Bucket Seafood Market and Grotto location in Tierrasanta in 2008. Just a short drive from home, it was a regular stop for us. However in late 2012, this location (no seafood market, but instead a bar and lounge area) opened in San Carlos, a few storefronts down from Trails Eatery which is also close to home (but the other direction).

This location is larger, the quality is the same and we seem to eat here more often.

The decor is of course an underwater theme. There are various proper condiments on each table (including vinegar, for use on French fried potatoes, if that's part of your order)

You may have noticed a lot of writing on the front window. In addition to a 'take out' discount of 15% on everything, there are also Early Bird specials from 3-6 daily. Above is a photo of the Early Bird grilled salmon plate ($8.95) which is served on a bed of grilled vegetables with grilled garlic bread and Spanish rice. This is a large portion and very filling. Always fresh fish grilled perfectly.

Above is the Seafood Combo appetizer ($10.95). Perfectly fried, lightly breaded fish pieces(4), clams (1/4 lb), shrimp (3) and oysters (3). I'll order this as my main and The Mister and I share it.

Another nice, local family owned business serving good, fresh food.

The Fish Bucket Grill 7407 Jackson Drive (at Navajo) San Diego 92119 (619) 460-6280 Website Mon-Fri 11:30-8:30, Sat-Sun 3-8:30

Where in the world have we gone?

May 27, 2013 mmm-yoso Portugal, Travel

Yes, we were in Lisbon for my last post. Of course we've moved on to several different locales since then.

First, to a wonderful city, with an historic university, but known for even more than that.

Like the remnants of an ancient aqueduct.

There are even buildings using the arches of the aqueduct as foundations and frames.

There are also Roman ruins.

The entire city is considered a UNESCO Heritage site.

Oh, and there's a "church of bones"

We managed to have some wonderful meals.

Even managing some of the traditional dishes of the region. We loved the food! The Missus loved the town and was sad to leave.

Our next stop was another city known for its university, the most prestigious in Portugal.

Though my calves were screaming for mercy after walking up and down the hills, I thought the city was beautiful.

We ended up eating at the same, unique hole-in-the-wall restaurant twice for dinner. Each night folks eating there told us this was cozinha typico for the region.

I was also able to add to my "sandwich collection"

We're currently in the Missus' favorite city so far. Folks here are down to earth, friendly, and very nice. Due to all the wonderful tips from the folks who do the apartment rental, we've had a wonderful time in this city known for its wine, though I must say the views are spectacular.

Like everywhere else, there's history everywhere around us.

Along with being able to add yet another sandwich……

This one a monstrosity of several meats, coated with cheese, and drenched in a tomato sauce.

That aside….well, I liked it, but the Missus didn't, we've really eaten well here.

We were advised to head out of the city center area today since it was Sunday and most places are closed. We had a wonderful and inexpensive lunch at an area where the fish harder is.

And finally got to try a dish from my "bucket list" and I can't wait to have it again.

I wish you all could be here……

So what's next?

Well, by the time you read this, we'll hopefully be on our next leg of our trip. Leaving Portugal is kind of bittersweet for us as we've really taken to the people and food here.

Time willing, I'll try to do a post when we get there.

Thanks for reading.

Posted with Blogsy

The Pancake Cart in front of the cash registers at 99Ranch Market (snack time)

May 26, 2013 Cathy Desserts, What Cathy Eats!

You are reading a food blog called mmm-yoso!!! Kirk, who usually writes about His food adventures, is somewhere in the world having those adventures. Ed(from Yuma) is planning His adventures. Cathy is writing about an adventure around here.

If you've shopped at 99 Ranch Market, you've seen it. The cart in front of the cash registers. During the week, it's not open. On the weekend, though, it is.

The lady at the pancake cart…making Chinese pancakes before your eyes.We pay for the pancakes at the cash register, then can walk up with the receipt and order.

On the center section are already baked red bean paste pancakes. The fresh batter is being baked in the unique pan and when finished baking (the top is baked/not sticky but not browned…with the rounded top-like what happens when you make cupcakes) and then is placed on top of another baked half, which has filling in it (in this case, the custard cream) the two halves manage to stay together, because they are both hot and ready when placed on top of each other.

One of each flavor; our usual order. You can see the bottoms are baked and the complete 65¢ pancake is secure.

Here's a cross section view. You can see the dense yet bubbly batter is all baked, with nice outer crusts. The custard is not runny and the red bean paste has a nice texture. These were still warm when we got home…so good.

I hope you are all having a nice weekend!

99Ranch Market 7330 CLairmont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92111 (858) 974-8899