mmm-yoso – Page 99 – 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.

Sunday Stuffs, Is It Getting Hot Around Here Edition – Mike’s Red Tacos Brick and Mortar Coming to Clairemont, Yin Tang Hot Pot Replacing A-Bowl, and Jomaru Korean Hot Pot Coming to Kearny Mesa.

Is it getting "hot" around here or what? I went and did my morning shopping this past weekend and decided to take a bit more time to see what was up in the Clairemont and Kearny Mesa area. And by coincidence all three places I noticed have a bit of "heat or spice" to them……

Mike's Red Tacos Brick and Mortar Coming to Clairemont:

I noticed the sign while driving up Genesee, so I took a short detour into the parking lot where Kroran is located.

This is where I believe Wings Republic was located. Even though I wasn't the biggest fan of the food truck, I'll probably check out the brick and mortar location when they open. I have a feeling they'll be pretty busy.

4310 Genesee Ave
San Diego, CA 92117

Driving down Convoy, I went into the parking lot of Convoy Pointe Plaza to see what was up with the rebuilding of China Max (actually not much). And saw this……

Yin Tang Hot Pot Replacing A-Bowl:

In the former location of A-Bowl.

Bummer…..

4690 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111

Jomaru Korean Hot Pot Coming to Kearny Mesa:

Drove past the strip mall that houses Tajima, Song Hak, and Steamy Piggy. I noticed a sign saying "Jomaru Korean Hot Pot".

The name sounded familiar….and reading this post jogged my memory. We saw Jomaru Gamjatang locations in Seoul. Never got to try them though.

4681 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Stay safe!

Marukai (San Diego) Updates

July 8, 2022 mmm-yoso Local Kine Stuffs in San Diego, Markets & Grocers

In the comments section of my most recent post on Iron Pig, "FOY" Som Tommy mentioned a recent visit to Marukai and some changes he noticed. I actually thought I'd posted on this several months back….but I guess not…..sigh…."senior momentitus". Anyway, I'm sure if you're a regular at Marukai you know all of this already.

Several years back Don Quixote bought Marukai (and recently Gelson's) and some changes were noticed. Since the pandemic started Marukai on the corner of Mercury and Balboa has shifted what was being sold in the buildings a bit; but the biggest change is that Marukai, at least this location no longer requires a membership. In fact, one of the employees who has been there since the beginning told me recently to go ahead and "throw away the membership card".

As for the shifting of things:

Marukai Living is now Marukai "Japanese Grocery".

Marukai Chg 01

This store now focuses on Japanese packaged and non-perishable food and snack items….heavy emphasis on the "snack".

Marukai Chg 02

This is where; but for one exception where you can get all your "local kine" stuffs.

Marukai Chg 04

8125 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111

Still need housewares, makeup, electronics, or some kind of kawai moisturizing mask?

Well, all of that is now in the Tokyo Central & Main Store.

Marukai Chg 06

8111 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111

Marukai Market has all the produce, deli, meats, frozen, and prepared foods.

Marukai Chg 07

Marukai Chg 08

And also alcohol……and if you just need that $120 melon….well, on this visit it was "just" $89.99!

Marukai Chg 13

The bentos here are cheaper than Nijiya or Mitsuwa, but aren't often brought out until 1130 or so…a bit late for my lunch.

Marukai Chg 12

And the exception for "local kine" stuffs mentioned above is that all the frozen items are in the market…….

Marukai Chg 10

Marukai Chg 11

There are items I can no longer get here…..I wanted to make my guava grilled chicken, which uses Hawaiian Sun Guava Concentrate; no moa'. And for a short time they had Parks Brand Kimchee Sauce which I use for one of my recipes, but no moa' dat either.

8151 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111

So, there you go "ST"…..sorry I'm a bit late on this one.

Roadtrip (2022) – Ojai Rotie

July 7, 2022 mmm-yoso Lebanese Restaurants, Middle Eastern Restaurants/Cuisine, Road Trip, Travel, Ventura County

After lunch at Yume Japanese Burger Cafe we decided to take a short drive and headed east along Highway 150. The winding road headed uphill and we stopped at the Ojai Valley Lookout. From here you have a wonderful view of Ojai Valley and are surrounded on all sides by mountains.

We drove a bit further, before returning to Ojai to check in at our accommodation.

We showered, relaxed, and even took a short nap before heading out to dinner. Our dinner destination was a nice stroll away; Ojai Rotie.

Ojai Rotie describes themselves as being:

"Chef/Farmer driven, fast casual patio-restaurant offering French-Lebanese style rotisserie chicken".

The atmosphere is relaxed, the large patio is a wonderful place to eat on a warm summer's evening.

We had reservations and were shown to one of the tables. I then went into the main building and placed my order and paid at the counter. I was given a number and placed that on the table.

You then go to the small detached structure to order wine and beer.

The young man working asked me if I was from out of town (folks in Ojai are really friendly), and when I replied yes, he asked where I hailed from. When I mentioned San Diego, he told me he went to college in SD and we had a nice chat.

People watching was quite interesting. There seemed to be quite a few "locals" or at least regulars. I hadn't seen so many folks wearing Birkenstocks in one place…..also interesting choices of slippers. Folks seemed to wear shorts and many women wore flowing "new agey" dresses with dangling earrings to match.

Soon enough our order arrived at our table……

We had ordered the "Dippity Dips"……..

Three different "dips" with Manuoche; the typical Lebanese flatbread with a light sprinkling of Za'atar on it. The Bread was warm, slightly yeasty and very pleasant eating.

Our favorite of the three items was the White Bean Hummus; so beany and creamy.

This was delicious; though I think a touch of lemon would have taken this to another level.

The Muhamarah was pretty good.

This was much smoother and creamier than what we're used to; but it matched quite well with the Manuoche. The generous amount of pomegranate molasses made this a bit too sweet for our tastes; but it was still a nice dish.

I was looking forward to the Charred Eggplant, but it proved to be a bit disappointing.

While adequately creamy, this was missing the smoky-savory tones of a nicely charred/grilled eggplant. It was also lacking adequate salt for our tastes.

Still that White Bean Hummus was really good and the Missus has been asking me to make some.

Of course we had to try the rotisserie chicken and I'd heard good things about the pommes rotisserie. So we got a quarter chicken meal with the roasted potatoes and caramelized cauliflower as sides.

First off, we weren't big fans of the chicken which was on the dry side. The seasoning also seemed quite mild. The saving grace was the bold and piquant garlic paste, which was sooooo good, but stayed with us for the entire evening if you know what I mean. The roasted potatoes were cold, but we both enjoyed the lemon-aioli. The Missus really enjoyed the cauliflower which was generously seasoned and had some great "role players" in the form of pine nuts, golden raisins, and baby kale…..each adding in a layer of complexity.

We'd gladly eat here again. While sitting and watching the "regulars" get their orders we noticed that the house made sourdough bread and lamb kafta were popular and looked quite good.

We really enjoyed the vibe and setting.

And then there are the people…..we would really come to enjoy and appreciate the warm and friendly folks we ran into in Ojai.

For instance, that gentleman in the photo to my right. As he walked by, I noticed his t-shirt, which I really liked, so I took a photo of him. Apparently he saw me taking his photos and came on by and asked me if I liked his shirt and we had a short chat. His name is Dave and he is in charge of restoring and renovating the Ojai Playhouse. We had a really nice conversation and he headed off….only to return a few minutes later with a t-shirt for me!

Yes, it says "Ojai Psychic Friends Network" and I love the t-shirt….plus I got a nice story to tell about how generous folks are in Ojai. And how in the world did he know I was admiring his shirt? Psychic perhaps???

Thanks Dave!

Ojai Rotie
469 E Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023
Hours:
Wed – Thurs 4pm – 830pm
Fri – Sun 12pm – 3pm, 4pm – 9pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Roadtrip (2022) – Yume Japanese Burger Cafe (Ojai)

July 6, 2022 mmm-yoso Asian Fusion/Pacific Rim/Hawaii Style Fusion, Burgers, Travel, Ventura County

When we returned from our Zion – Monument Valley – Sedona trip, the Missus told me that She was "done with road trips" for a while. Though upon returning from our Scotland – Paris trip, the Missus said that She had "changed Her mind……maybe a road trip might be nice". Man, that didn't last long did it? The only condition; "please no National Park food…."

And so I planned a weekend trip during he long weekend….even though I wasn't sure about traveling during the weekend of the 4th, to a place I'd heard really nice things about; Ojai.

And in the end, we loved the vibe, the people, and we had some good meals in Ojai. I had read about the bohemian, new agey lifestyle in Ojai….the term "bucolic" is sprinkled freely in descriptions. Perhaps what they say about the calming spiritual vortex of this valley town is true? Regardless, to us, this is what Sedona should or used to be…..and with better food in our opinion.

Even though we arrived on the Friday before the 4th, we easily found parking in the heart of the town right past the very distinctive Post Office which sports a portico and bell tower and was designed to look like the bell tower of Havana Cathedral.

Since it was too early to check in at our accommodations we decided to do a bit of shopping. The Ojai Arcade built in 1917 houses many shops and restaurants. The Missus wasn't enthralled by most of what the shops carried though I'd say seeing all folks with bags from Rains and other shops…….well, that says something about the appeal of shopping in Ojai.

We would walk through and past the Arcade several times a day during our stay in Ojai, so I think of it as the heart of the village.

For a town with a population of under 8,000….though I'm sure there are many more visitors; Ojai has an interesting variety of restaurants featuring a variety cuisines that belies the population and demographics of the village. During our stay we ate Burmese and Lebanese….and to start things off; we ate a a Japanese Wagyu Burger shop named Yume.

The place seems small, but is actually made up of three dining areas, we decided just to sit at on of the two-tops in the front. Here you simple order at one of the stations and have a seat.

The Missus and I decided to share two items; starting with some BBQ Wagyu Fries ($9.50).

Basically fries topped with teriyaki beef, nori, and kewpie mayo. The beef was a bit on the chewy side, but nicely marinated if a bit too sweet. The nori helped to tame the sweetness down a bit. The fries were not up to the task and got soggy quickly.

I was tempted to try the Karaage Sandwich, but went with the Yume Classic Wagyu Burger ($13).

After all, who can resist that runny, sunny side up egg, which was nicely done. The patty had a nice beefiness to it and the brioche bun went well with the burger. The cabbage added a nice crunchy contrast to things, but the sauce was much too sweet. Both the Missus and I thought some pickles or tomato would have contributed a dose of acidity to help cut thru all that sweetness.

That said, this wasn't too bad at all. Prices weren't bad; though the perfunctory service was the most unfriendly we encountered in Ojai. Which kind of goes against all the kinda cutesy stuffs around the place.

Yume Japanese Burger Cafe
254 East Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023

Turo Turo Tuesday – Lisa’s Filipino Cuisine Revisited

July 5, 2022 mmm-yoso Filipino Restaurants, Sisig

I recently had to place an order for chicken wings from "you know where". Since all this Covid stuff started and now with the insane gas prices, I just don't seem to get on over to National City much. So, after placing my order, I walked on over to see if Lisa's was still in business and they were indeed. Since it was early around 930 in the morning , I walked on in to check out what they had available.

Lisas Rev 01

Much of the lunch type dishes were just coming out….good timing on my part. So, I decided to place to do some takeout. I told the woman what I wanted and could not believe how much food she was putting in my containers! And it came out to under $12 bucks with tax……..enough to feed two or maybe three people. Luckily, there were some other folks in the office I could share this with.

I got the Sisig (of course) and the Chicken Afritada which had just come out to the steam table.

Lisas Rev 02 Lisas Rev 03 How I managed to carry this from the car to my desk without sustaining a hernia I'll never know. I forgot to ask for "half rice" so I got a ton of nicely cooked, moist rice. What's the deal with the giant chunks of protein in turo turo dishes these days? There were like two half thighs, bone and all in the overwhelmed styrofoam container. The chicken was on the tough side and there was a shortage of veggies (i.e. carrots, bell peppers) except for one orphaned potato; that I usually expect in this dish. I guess of you want to max out your protein intake… As you can see, it was quite greasy, and super salty.

The seasoning for the sisig was pretty good; nice spice and good sour tones. When it comes to the "leftover lechon" versions of sisig, I enjoy the crisp pieces of skin, but this seemed quite soggy and mushy in terms of texture. Though the other folks; who have never had the stuff liked it.

Lisas Rev 04

Still, in this day and age, I guess I totally got what I paid for and then some, right?

Lisa's Filipino Cuisine
1210 E Plaza Blvd.
National City, CA 91950
Hours:
Daily 7am – 8pm

Mahalo Shave Ice Company (inside Zion)

July 4, 2022 Cathy Desserts, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is (again) being written by Cathy today, while Kirk and His Missus are vacationing.

In January, Mahalo Shave Ice opened, taking the place of Cocohodo, (which truly is missed) in the Zion Market Food Court.

46E6CB64-B79D-4F74-B671-1E777E945419 In 2016, Mahalo began as a shave ice food truck. It expanded into an Arizona franchise in 2020, along with catering events. The Zion Market storefront is the first brick and mortar location for this (now two location) locally owned business "inspired by the beauty of the Hawaiian people".
3A24A123-AB64-47E2-9D1B-2ABA6CD4C830 The menu is simple; Five items.
8F7A26C0-5062-4132-A0DC-DD1C571EF25C The choice of flavors can be not as simple, depending on your cravings.

3A24A123-AB64-47E2-9D1B-2ABA6CD4C830 For this shave ice plate ($6), I chose li hing mui guava (li hing is the flavor of dried, salty plums) and tigers blood (strawberry, watermelon and coconut) flavors; not very photogenic but very tasty. Adding ice cream ($1) rounded out the plate.

Friendly people working here, serving great, shareable treats.

Mahalo Shave Ice 7655 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (Zion Market Food Court) Website Open Wed-Sun 11-7, closed Mon-Tue

You may have noticed above the menu board "Proudly and lovingly crafted with cane sugar & ocean friendly utensils". The 'plate/bowl' is a quality compostable type of material, the little straw is made of bamboo and the spoon (printed with the logo) is fascinating, eco-friendly-and works. We had never seen a spoon like that before and within a week of our visit here, had seen similar spoons at several places.

F4F2CA4E-EFD4-4D93-A137-C7E71953778A

Frank’s Bakery-Gibaldi’s Italian Bread (Spring Valley)

July 3, 2022 Cathy Bakery, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! continues to be written about food and by Cathy over this Independence Day holiday weekend. Kirk is in the midst of a great vacation with His Missus.

This post is about one of the reasons I write other posts. An errand.

Since 1948. Cash Only. The signage. A simple storefront. Park in front.
B5B5AC6F-F915-417E-9CEE-BFEB60F7EF11 This is the view from the doorway.
Depending on the time of the day you arrive, or maybe just the day of the week, the shelves will be filled…or already empty.
Over to the right is a small refrigerator. I usually also pick an item from here.
The round Squaw bread ($4) is a craving that The Mister has had lately. The molasses sweetened, rye and wheat flour based bread is soft, chewy and has a thin, chewy crust, topped with oats. This size and shape allows for various uses at meals (breakfast side toast, a smaller sandwich, or several small sandwiches). It also seems to stay fresh a day or two longer than most breads. The fig cookies ($6) (from the refrigerator) are one of my favorites.
The baguette shaped Squaw bread ($3) allows for more consistent slices. The cheese Danish ($2) is soft and delicate and sweet and wonderful to share for dessert at home.
Same with the Bear Claw ($2).
The walnut cranberry bread is unsliced and the flavors are an excellent compliment to a simple ham and cheese filling. Toasted with a bit of cream cheese is a nice treat.
The pignoli Cookies ($6)-soft and chewy interior with a lightly crisp exterior are *very* almond flavored. Traditional recipe- almond paste, sugar and egg whites, topped with pine nuts, these are a special treat some weeks.
864B2F3A-4DA7-4679-B0F8-6F9731C90074 The rye bread ($4) here is an especially good version, filled with seeds and surrounded by cornmeal. I appreciate that it is already sliced.

Everything here is fresh and an adventure to try.

Frank's Bakery-Gibaldi's Italian Bread 9935 Campo Road Spring Valley 91977 (619) 296-0245 Open Sun 1-6, Mon-Fri noon-6, Sat 9:30-3:00 Website CASH ONLY!!!
4991D1C1-DF46-4CC3-9D5B-083EAF27A661 Just realized I neglected the Italian bread (also $3 or $4) it can be plain or topped with sesame seeds and is a quality White bread. The above Italian rolls also available ($4/dozen). A good size for small sandwiches or burgers.

2023 Rose Parade Float Road Test #1, breakfast at Portos

July 2, 2022 Cathy Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! a food blog, being written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus are driving to a vacation destination.

Link to Road Test #2

Link to Road Test #3

Link to Road Test #4

Yes, it's that time of the year. D90B81A2-AA76-4E0D-B444-7AB63A3B7D3A The Theme of "Turning the Corner” celebrating the unlimited potential that each new year brings, was announced by the Tournament of Roses in January by the 2023 President of the Tournament of Roses, Amy Wainscott. “The 2023 theme celebrates turning a corner. Whether that corner is actual or figurative like the unlimited potential that each new year brings—we all enjoy the opportunity of a fresh start,” explained Wainscott. “Turning a corner means rising above – alone, or with family, friends and community. This year, as we turn the corner together, we share in the hope, beauty and joy of what 2023 will bring.”

There was a poster drawing contest and the above logo was debuted in May.

Organizations that will participate in the Parade began submitting designs to be approved by the Tournament and Phoenix Decorating Company, one of three companies which construct floats for the parade, (six organizations also build their own floats) had its first Road Test last Saturday. The floats were tested for mechanics and maneuverability and will undergo at least two more tests before decorating begins the first Saturday in December.

The Oddfellows and Rebekahs entry is "Hope for Peace". This symmetric float is a beauty. Second photo is of the Driver, who drives the float by looking down at the 'rose colored line' along the parade route. The small rectangular 'window' at the front is where the Spotter is seated.
The Spotter for the Petal Pushers and Lutheran Hour Ministries float is inside the right cube at the front (second photo). This photo of the back of the float as well as that first photo show where the collapsing parts are. Each float has a maximum size so it can fit under signal lights, street lights and under the bridge along the Parade route. This float is sponsored by Kiwanis International and I haven't found a link to its title. The surfing bear is wearing board shorts decorated with flags of the many countries that the Kiwanis serve. You can easily see where this float needs to collapse to stay within the size restrictions of the parade route.

C2940383-A513-440A-A142-873D309A37E4 6F806695-1E67-4BDE-A048-3CCCACE23F6E The Rotary International float, "Serving with Imagination and Hope" will look like a carousal horse. You can see the Spotter seated at the front of this float.

C2940383-A513-440A-A142-873D309A37E4 No idea who has sponsored this float, but can see the the Spotter will be standing at the front and can also see the driver now while this float is in its rebar/pencil rod stage.
D47954FE-1629-4D3C-8D48-7555D188D493 This is the City of Alhambra float entry. Spotter is seated at the front and the driver is on the left side-near the red fuel tank.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

There was no announcement of the Road Testing and The Mister and I drove up not expecting to see any floats. Our goal was Portos for breakfast. The West Covina location is six miles from the Phoenix Decorating barn.

7A0589C3-F71C-4995-AF04-57BFA8C42AA9 Well. Turns out at 8:05 a.m., there's not much of a line. I ordered pastries, breakfast and beverages all at one counter.
The meat pie ($1.15) is filled with the same picadillo that is in the famous potato balls, but is baked in flaky pastry. A nice snack while we waited.
7A0589C3-F71C-4995-AF04-57BFA8C42AA9 Also ordered: cheese roll ($0.99), apple strudel ($1.45) and a refugiado (guava cream cheese pastry) ($1.09). We took the sweets home.
Soon, the beverages were delivered to the table. Portos cortadito ($2.89) (espresso with sweetened condensed milk) and a summertime item- iced strawberry matcha latte (large) ($4.89). Both beverages are quality and flavorful.
7A0589C3-F71C-4995-AF04-57BFA8C42AA9 99F90C37-42B5-430C-A4EA-F63FD3E33681 Soon, the ropa vieja sandwich ($7.50) was brought out. Served on fresh soft Cuban bread, the 'Cuban birria' (Cuban-style stewed beef with bell pepper, onion, olive, tomato sauce, and Spanish seasonings) was excellent and quite large. The plantain chips (mariquitas) are seasoned with garlic salt and are a perfect side to the sandwich, breakfast time or not. 7A0589C3-F71C-4995-AF04-57BFA8C42AA9 The ham and cheese (cheddar-jack blend) omelette ($5.50) is served on a fresh buttery croissant with a mayo-mustard spread and is also quite large.

Always quality, friendly, efficient. This family owned, six location, Los Angeles legacy is always a great stop.

Portos Bakery, multiple locations. website (this location is 584 S. Sunset Ave West Covina 91790) Open daily 6:30 a.m.- 8 p.m. C1ECB1DB-3760-4E05-BFB7-95EE49B992D0

Paragon Deli Cafe (Point Loma)

July 1, 2022 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Portuguese Food, Salads, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

Paragon Deli Cafe closed in September 2024. It is very much missed.

mmm-yoso!!! will be written by Cathy over this Independence Day weekend; Kirk is doing things with His Missus.

It was three years ago when Kirk first posted about Paragon Deli Cafe. I had commented about something on the menu.
4EB1F681-8E60-4F4A-9655-CAAA30C789A5 Recently, I had a craving for tomato stuffed with tuna salad, an old fashioned menu item rarely seen (and very missed), I checked out the menu at Paragon. First, it was great to see they were still in business. Second- the tuna stuffed tomato ($10.95) was still on the menu! A wonderful, refreshing, flavor filled version of this simple diner classic. Served on top of a bed of lettuce with a house made dressing, this is a great lunch.
F7353EF9-0187-46D2-A70A-E37674BC962D There is a chalkboard next to the cash register. A bowl ($5.75) of the Soup du Jour (from scratch mushroom)
6C86AD6A-F552-4296-9016-7407272CF7BD as well as a cup ($5) (vegetarian pea) were enjoyed on visits. The 'everyday' soups (tomato basil and chicken noodle) are priced $4 and $5.25.
Of course, we wanted to try the Portuguese Francesinha ($15.95), which Kirk had written about in his post. Wow! Linguica, ham, roast beef, cheese, topped with a runny fried egg and sauce covering it all-including the fries. The sauce-you can taste the beer as well as the whiskey. Magical and it makes me understand why Kirk craved (then raved) about this wonderful sandwich.

You will notice on the menu the namesake Pacific Paragon Sandwich ($12.95), which originated at Marston's Tea Room. Marston's was a downtown San Diego Department Store before being sold to The Broadway in 1961. This sandwich won a 1960 American Restaurant Magazine award for "Best Sandwich".

16FACFFA-BE49-4724-94E1-297B681C1470 19CFE281-384C-411F-9018-564035E438B4 Fresh roast turkey (as in roasted here, today), crispy thick quality bacon, shredded lettuce, house made Blue cheese dressing (excellent) served open faced on rye. This- THIS sandwich is fancy as well as wonderful. 201A21DB-CF2E-47BD-B495-BE836362E1FE A similar item (in that there are crossover ingredients) is the California Cobb Salad ($12.95). Freshly roasted turkey (remarkably good), bacon, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, tomato and pickled egg.
C5F6BE27-4295-48E6-9328-9DBDE43CC978 There is quite an interest in eggs here; deviled egg dishes are used in the refrigerator and there is a collection on the wall above the kitchen.

Speaking of eggs, Paragon opens at 7 a.m., so there is breakfast. 2A282A78-6238-4417-83B9-B5CDC129B8AA
486CD16F-6710-4A69-B379-1FC9E64825B8 The Croque Madame ($13.95) is made with French ham, gruyere and a house made béchamel. Very tasty and filling.

2A282A78-6238-4417-83B9-B5CDC129B8AA 6AEE7D6F-493B-4B5A-829B-4E327AF57E65 The Eggs Benedict ($12.95) served on an English muffin with ham and a very proper (unbroken) Hollandaise along with fruit and a hash brown patty is also filling and flavorful.

Paragon Deli Cafe serves quality food and has the friendliest people working here; most are family.

Paragon Deli Cafe 2724 Shelter Island Drive San Diego 92106 (619) 888-4997 Website Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday

815CC3C8-F152-4CEC-B4D6-6C31551C4B14

Speaking of Department store restaurants, you might remember this post or this post or this one, this one or even this different type of Department store with a restaurant inside.

The Original Sab-E-Lee (Linda Vista) Sold and Becoming Zab Linda

June 30, 2022 mmm-yoso Thai Restaurants

**** You can read a post on Zab Linda here.

In my recent post on Da Kine's reopening in La Mesa, "FOYs" Junichi/Denver/Young mentioned that the Original Sab E Lee was undergoing an ownership and name change. And then yesterday I saw this post in the Eater San Diego. I went and dropped by on the way home and indeed there was a ABC ownership change notice and a banner with a new name on it….."Zab Linda".

TOSEL Change 01 TOSEL Change 02 This was indeed a sad moment for me. Even though I thought TOSEL wasn't quite the same since Koby sold SEL, the Rancho Penasquitos location opened, and TOSEL moved to this location. Still, I have some great memories of meals from Sab-E-Lee which quickly became part of our rotation. Over the years, the menu seemed to have moved from the wonderful Issan flavors and heat, to a more standard Thai menu.

The Sab-E-Lee empire kept me as a regular customer at Thai Papaya, where the Missus absolutely loved the Som Tom Kai Khem. Sadly, Thai Papaya shut down during the pandemic, closing in 2021. And was replaced by Sushi Yorimichi.

TOSEL was originally part of our takeout rotation at the beginning of the pandemic, but after a couple of not so good takeout revisits we started going elsewhere.

Still, having been a customer back in 2008 and even getting affirmation from folks I really respected, TOSEL holds a special place in my heart. And like other places that have closed during the pandemic, it seems like the end of an era.

TOSEL Change 03

On an interesting note; the Eater post states:

"Called Zab Linda, the new restaurant is also serving Thai food; Runowski shared that it will keep much of Sab-E-Lee’s menu."

And a couple of folks I know have told me that the initial transition has already occurred, so perhaps Zab Linda is in a soft transition mode.

Anyway, I'll drop by in a few weeks.

And thanks for all the wonderful meals and memories Sab-E-Lee!

6925 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111