Man, was it warm enough for you today? I was going to do another noodle soup post, but decided to spare you the torture. So, I'll just do one of these sandwiches posts, of places close to home…consider it a H(anging) i(n) t(he) 'H(ood) version if you will.
Bay Hill Tavern:
In my last post on BHT, I mentioned how friendly the bar staff is, and how gladly they'll share their favorite versions of items on the menu. Recently, BHT put a version of a Philly Cheesesteak, called the BHT Philly on the menu.
Now granted, I have a whole category for cheesesteaks, and as expected this really isn't what I would describe as one.
The roll is too bready, but I do enjoy the caramelized onions, mushrooms, and peppers. The beef, which they told me is shaved rib eye is a bit on the chewy side, but nice and beefy. For me, this sandwich was much too dry, and the provolone-mozzarella mix lacked a nice cheesy punch and there was not enough of it. It's a bit on the bland side overall.
Now, the folks that I know at BHT like that I'm honest about the food when I try it. So, when I was asked about this, I told them what I wrote above.
Cue in Janeli, who bartends and also manages the place on occasion. She told me to try the cheesesteak with a side of the beer cheese, which is what they put on the Dirty Fries. I was a bit skeptical, but I guess I take direction well. On my next visit, I got the Philly, no fries (the sandwich is enough for me, plus not a fan of the quick to be soggy fries, or paying an upcharge for garlic fries. Guess I only like the dirty fries?), with a side of Beer Cheese.
Knowing what kind of mess I'd be making, they kindly provided a knife to slice the sandwich and a ton of napkins. I truly had my doubts, thinking the flavor of the fonduey cheese mixed with beer and other seasonings might interfere with the sandwich. But, it actually made it better, adding more savory tones, and a pleasant creaminess to things.
No, it's not what I call a proper cheesesteak, but pretty good overall. Thanks to the folks like Adam and Janeli at BHT!
Bay Hill Tavern
3010 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117
Sandwich Emporium:
I took my car to Victor's for a good car wash. When I do this, I'd usually head on across the street and get a haircut, but on this day, since it was later in the morning and I was feeling a bit peckish, I decided to get a sandwich at Sandwich Emporium. I didn't realize that it had been a year and a half since my last visit!
I walked on in; the owners, the twins weren't in on this day….in fact, I haven't seen them in a couple of years.
I ordered my usual, the Spicy Julio. I took a seat outside and when my sandwich was ready, just ate it on the spot.
This sandwich has changed over the last two times I've had it. It much more mayo heavy, there less roast beef in it….food costs I guess, the avocado is a really mashed, and the sandwich is a bit of a mess. It's also not as spicy as before.
I really enjoyed it as used to be. Kind of sad actually.
Perhaps I need to change my habits and try something else next time.
Sandwich Emporium
3054 1/2 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117
We ended up getting a couple of gifts for folks. Downtown Los Alamos is basically a four block stretch, so we left our car parked on the street and walked on over to Bell's a block away.
And I proceeded with my "standard process" of mixing the dish to my satisfaction. I quickly noticed that there wasn't any "sauce" at the bottom of the bowl, it was merely a touch of sate sauce squirted over the egg noodles. This was not nearly enough to coat all the noodles and would not provide enough of that savory-nutty-pungent flavors for the dish. I ended having to add a rather large amount of the broth on the side to the bowl creating more of a soup, which kind of defeats the purpose of things. Also, the broth was quite MSG heavy, but at least wasn't bland. It was good in a soup spoon with a slice of meat and onion in it. The noodles were also undercooked and hard as well.
The was a definite difference in the soup, it was way lighter and thinner than what I'd had here in the past, really lacking in savory tones; more like white pepper-salt water. There were 2 won ton and 3 dumplings….yes, I counted. The wrappers were very soft and tender; really enrobing the fillings. In fact, doesn't the won ton look like brain matter?
The fillings, while being more chewy than I recalled, as nicely flavored, porky, hints of seafood, sesame oil, and so forth. The char siu was hard and very tough and weak in the sweet-porkiness I enjoy.
The pieces of karaage were large, the batter slightly crunchy, the chicken was on the tougher chewier side. It was also fairly bland in terms of seasoning. Not my favorite version of this.
The broth was interesting, a lot lighter than I would expect for Hokkaido style ramen. It did have a good amount of saltiness and based on what I'd read, there's supposed to be a savory-seafood based component to it, like how Santouka is in Japan. I was looking forward to that, but I really couldn't make that out. As a whole, the broth lacked complexity.
The noodles were nice and springy, of the slightly thicker variety, much like what we'd had at 
Man, check out that chashu. It looked different from the version I'd had on my previous visit. It was still the same overly lean cut, but was also super salty. In fact, I wasn't able to finish it!
The one bright spot were the perfectly textured, springy noodles, that did a great job picking up the broth. Now it would have been great if it wasn't so salty….and I like salty foods!
Opening the sandwich up, the first thing I noticed was how much shredded lettuce there was. So much iceberg that it could have sunk the Titanic. Also, I remember Grab & Go as having some of the messiest, sloppiest sandwiches and this definitely lived up to that rep. One of the reasons I enjoy this sandwich is that it’s toasted, the bread was yeasty-crackley-crusty goodness. Also appreciated that the Provolone was melted. The jalapenos added some heat though not a huge amount. The oil and vinegar dressing is perfect for this sandwich; mayo would be overkill in my opinion.
The bun is thin with a slight pleasing crispness to it. The filling was scalding porky heaven, with nice hints of black pepper, mild sweetness, and savory tones. This was delici-yoso!!!
So, how did this match up? Well, the wrapper was not as tender and more brittle than what we'd had at DTF. The "soup", the aspic based liquid was porky and flavorful. The filling was tender, though not quite as flavorful as DTF in our opinion. Though, it could be that having been to several locations of DTF around the world we've been indoctrinated?
This former bank building seems to always be busy, with many people using the drive-through. But, I'm still following my 1998 New Year Resolution and continue to not use any drive-through lanes and instead stick to parking and walking into the building.
Some menu prices have increased.
There's always something interesting to find in the decor, especially while waiting for a 'to-go' order.
The "2×2" ($6.10) is an excellent imitation of a Double Double from In-n-Out, served on a toasted bun and is satisfying..
The Combo Plate ($6.80), listed under "Sides", has a 
One day, I decided to try a Greek Chicken Wrap ($8.95). It was great! A greek salad with plenty of grilled chicken breast in a tortilla. All the flavors and freshness without a fork. 
Another day, I ordered a Turkey Wrap ($8.40). Not as interesting as the Greek salad, but still very fresh and satisfying.
The Avocado Salad ($9.85). The Thousand Island dressing is made in-house and is really nice. There is a whole avocado on this very large salad, along with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, cheese and hard boiled egg. This is a bad photo because of a 
Here is the chicken strips salad ($10.60). Almost too much chicken to salad ratio. Another great meal.
Two days ago, the front gate was almost ready to welcome thousands of people daily, beginning tomorrow (June 12) until July 7 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
The Exhibit Hall (to the right when you walk in the main gate) is decorated with "Pac Man" logos and is filled with information of the theme- displays of items from the past, video games, music and more.
Last week, there was no Ferris Wheel at the end of the Midway and one specific booth was not yet set up.
But that is all taken care of now.
Similarly, the path toward the Infield, with rides for children, garden and farming education displays has also been made ready for visitors.
This booth looks interesting; I think the French Toast/ice cream combination sounds yummy.
Then again, I noticed this on one of Chicken Charlie's booths…
Many of the rides and booths were not not yet set up because they had all been at the Los Angeles County Fair which had its run in May. That Fair closed on Memorial Day and everyone had to pack up and move to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and set up while waiting for inspections. 
Home Made has been judging crafts and setting them up for display.
The quilts this year are beautiful. 
The collections are, once again, eclectic.
There were many entries in the Preserved Foods Division.
The Baked Goods Division had more entries than last year.
Of course, the Theme of the Fair is encouraged for all crafts, collections, and even food entrants!