Fifty 9 Fifty Local Eatery (Tierrasanta)

 Welcome back to mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk and His Missus are currently in the same Time Zone (Pacific) and 'catching up'.  Cathy is writing.

In April, 2019, I saw that this new restaurant had opened on Santo Road at the 52.  Unfortunately things got busy and I forgot to follow through in 2019…then it was 2020 and, you know.  So many businesses in this mall have changed over the years, and Kirk's April 2022 post reminded me  to check it ut again. The Mister and I really like Peruvian food and stopped in a few times, passing Fifty 9 Fifty.  Finally we had a chance to stop in. 2C2E4C86-FABC-4A5C-B432-09C17B26B1D6
45BD1448-43DF-4F4C-92D4-5AB11D7F3DC0 A sort of 'Gastropub' atmosphere with about 20 beers on tap, various seating sections (including covered outdoors), we were given a bottle of chilled water along with chilled glasses with our menu.
1A8BD247-86A0-40A2-9B04-D15C1CD6645C1A8BD247-86A0-40A2-9B04-D15C1CD6645C A simple menu-and there is a Monday-Friday Happy Hour, too (from 4-6:30)
B3A4697F-9F76-4D45-BB2B-3E4D8706D457 We decided to try the Cheese Curds ($12). Wisconsin cheese, breaded and fried.  If you bite into a hot one, it does indeed 'squeak'..but otherwise it's just a good bunch of piece of breaded fried cheese, served with a very nice homemade Ranch.
B3A4697F-9F76-4D45-BB2B-3E4D8706D457 The Stuffed Jumbo Portobello mushroom ($15) can be a meal.  Cream cheese, mozzarella and parmesan topped with a panko crust and placed in balsamic syrup…Oh my!
3A7A8202-1EA8-4671-B123-4C66A69971423A7A8202-1EA8-4671-B123-4C66A6997142 Cross section shows how many flavors you can get in a bite. 

B3A4697F-9F76-4D45-BB2B-3E4D8706D457 We also ordered a Cobb Salad ($14).  This tasted really good, very fresh ingredients (egg, bacon, avocado, tomato, gorgonzola and a nice Blue Cheese dressing.  The presentation…eh. 

A nice addition to this little neighborhood which withstood Covid-19.

Fifty 9 Fifty Local Eatery  5950 Santo Road San Diego 92124 (858)737-4665 open daily 11:30-9 website
8AFEE746-A4F3-4455-9105-EA864EF6FA93

Tofu House Mira Mesa (again)

mmm-yoso!!! is back again on this chilly day.  Kirk is busy with His Missus on another continent and Cathy is writing another post.  

My last post about Tofu House was in 2020 when we had to eat outside, because, you know, Covid-19. 23BC8BC5-F22F-4F42-8BDD-B60FE0747351  B7A83FE1-B264-480B-8E07-B619DDE18F34 The menu is on the wall, or you can scan a QR code and read the menu on your phone. 

A6AE1AD1-6C02-4842-BA6D-B59DCADC67DD68ACF122-3F3E-4F7E-989C-E79136C8ABDD The Mister wanted Boiled Tofu, and it was furiously boiling when brought to the table!  He had ordered the 'Chef's Special' ($13) which included shrimp, pollack roe, clam, oyster, mushroom and kimchi.  (white rice is included, but the multigrain rice option is an extra $2; get it).  Great, fresh seafood and smooth, satisfying tofu.
A6AE1AD1-6C02-4842-BA6D-B59DCADC67DD I've been craving something from a hot stone pot (because crispy rice).  Ordering the "Chef's Special Hot Stone" ($20) was just the flavor filled melange I wanted.  Marinated beef rib eye as well as beef short ribs over the sizzling rice, topped with plump shrimp and small but flavorful scallops really hit the spot. 

A flavor filled, warming and satisfying lunch.  This location has a better parking situation than the Convoy Street location.

Tofu House 9089 Mira Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92126 (858) 860-5296 Open daily 11-8 website
5B80A4B5-AE28-4EE7-B9CE-2016C9120236 Your condiments are brought to the table after ordering. 

Andres Restaurant Closes After 40 Years

About two weeks ago "ST" sent me an email, which I didn't get to for a while. In the email ST mentioned that Andres Restaurant was planning to close. Because of all our travels, I didn't get to that email for a while. Then yesterday, our good friend "Alle" sent me a text saying that this was Andres last dinner service and they were closing as of the 24th. I checked Andres website which confirmed that Andres was closing after 40 years in business.

Earlier this morning, I drove on over to Bird Rock on Morena for some coffee and then crossed the street to check out what was up with Andres.

IMG_2209 IMG_2211  Things looked pretty much the same with no large notices or signs. Until I took a look at the note on the door.

It looks like the restaurant is closing, while the market will remain open. It's a bit strange that I last visited Andres Market three weeks ago, but hadn't a clue about what was going on.

Both ST and Alle mentioned some family tragedy that prompted this rather sudden decision.

Regardless, I know of many folks who enjoy Andres; and many who grew up eating there. It's sad that over the last couple of years we've lost some much beloved eateries that had served their respective neighborhoods for years. I first posted on Andres in 2005!

Sad news.

1235 Morena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110 

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Adalynes Chicken Shack (La Mesa)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog which has been around since 2005.  Kirk usually writes the posts, but right now, He and His Missus are vacationing and Cathy is writing. 

Back in February, I saw this building going up on University just East of the Kroc Salvation Army Center in La Mesa.3D52C112-49FF-4FF5-A8E2-3CA3159F3CB0 A mental note was made and misplaced.  As fate would have it, The Mister and I were driving by while looking for lunch.  Adalynes opened in March 2022.
3D52C112-49FF-4FF5-A8E2-3CA3159F3CB0 Walk in and step to the right; seating for 40 (along with four big screen televisions) is to the left.  Order and pay- a menu board is above and the open kitchen behind it is quite large.   The "Fish Market" display case was not filled but the price list was available and if you made a purchase and wanted your fish fried, it is an additional $2 per pound.  
87F0ECCA-C27C-4B30-9A53-6383FA6C6BBC87F0ECCA-C27C-4B30-9A53-6383FA6C6BBC A simple menu.
DEB79525-EE9B-48DD-9A39-42B8F9E871B6 B012C7BF-2FAB-4781-8AC2-1654DEC1B5E9 An appetizer order of calamari ($9.99) included tentacles, not all rings.  We asked for the batter to be 'mild' since there were several selections of spicy side dips.  The calamari was tender, the batter was a proper fry; light and crisp.  This is a large serving.
DEB79525-EE9B-48DD-9A39-42B8F9E871B6 We decided to try the Combo meal ($15.99) of three pieces of chicken strips and six shrimp.  We chose our one side to be sweet potato.  Again, we asked for no spice in the batter.  The shrimp were plump and large, had a very light coating and were nicely fried.  The sweet potato side came in the form of 'tots' and were really good.   The chicken-three large pieces of breast meat with just a light coating which was thin, crisped and tasty. 
31B9F518-D3CE-4F9E-8726-3DC3E25B3604 The chicken was not dry at all. 
31B9F518-D3CE-4F9E-8726-3DC3E25B3604 These four sauces were brought out with our food (cocktail sauce, "special" sauce (it has jalapeño juice and bits of jalapeño), a BBQ based sauce and a chipotle/smoky sauce.  There's a counter by the tables which has condiment pumps of hot sauce, ranch and catsup.  

A nice place that is doing a steady business serving quality fried foods. 

Adalynes Chicken Shack 6903 University Ave La Mesa 91942 (619) 232-5963 Open Mon-Sat 11-9, Closed Sunday

197A8037-27C0-4B4C-9244-ACA77961ACA7

Holey Donuts (El Cajon)

Thanks for stopping to read this food blog, mmm-yoso!!! Kirk and His Missus are winding down their vacation while Cathy remains writing another post about a local place.  

In the corner of the strip mall anchored by Boot Barn and Turners Outdoorsman Shop as well as Ami Sushi, one block East of Parkway Plaza, this nondescript signage popped up in April of 2020. 85E7DC0C-C700-434A-8761-A790A6AA119B
9F84EB29-95B2-4993-81D8-0CE6E686E02A Depending on the time of day, the shelves may be filled with fresh donuts or not.  
BBE6C659-98DD-4E73-87BF-A856BF38F30A A Raised Crumb and an Old Fashioned ($1.50 each) along with a large up of coffee ($2.49) is a nice treat.
1A679335-8A5A-4F02-ADD1-1F35FF011A91 A9FFC44A-245B-4B4C-B8F7-1EB67B4420BF The owner offered us a slice of 'bread pudding', a sort of experimental item which might be offered someday.  It was wonderful, rich and milky and topped (as well as filled) with butterscotch chips.  I would buy this.  But, what kind of bread?
A9FFC44A-245B-4B4C-B8F7-1EB67B4420BF The croissants which are made here, of course!
3EEE5355-296D-4512-AA64-97BACBA84C1A When you walk in, the Coffee Bar is in front of you.
AE6DF02A-DA9D-46D4-BDB2-B39D45F9DD50 Also when walking in, the window art lets you know there are more than donuts sold here. 

80DEB273-20AA-461D-9DAF-B6518A5CAB6480DEB273-20AA-461D-9DAF-B6518A5CAB64 These menus are displayed straight ahead.

We decided to share the Steak Sandwich ($13.75)

While paying, the chef walked by.  We were asked if we wanted fries, onion rings or mashed potato with the sandwich and we were hesitating.  We decided on onion rings and then chef asked if we were sharing…"yes", I answered…and then He said, 'well, I'll put the sandwich on two plates, he wants the rings, what do you want?' and I happily answered "mashed"…  
FD4050A5-D4DA-43F8-952D-319F0DC09899 And so that's what we were served!  
FD4050A5-D4DA-43F8-952D-319F0DC09899 I must say, the sandwich had to be cut anyhow to fit onto one plate. 
E0B94AFE-2DDD-4EE7-AD32-32107C0C3C26
This is a steak sandwich, tender, melt in your mouth, pieces of steak (not the frozen, pre-sliced thin stuff) with a house made garlic aioli, grilled onion and mushrooms on a toasted roll.  The mashed potatoes were twice baked, with bacon bits and skins.  The rings were whole onions, lightly battered.  (Yes, slightly dark but not burned). 

Completely unexpected and so very good.  Such service, such great food quality, such nice people working here.

Why hadn't I found this sooner?  How did I finally decide to stop by?
4B590C78-4334-4DDC-BFDF-53C9075BFFCC4B590C78-4334-4DDC-BFDF-53C9075BFFCC4B590C78-4334-4DDC-BFDF-53C9075BFFCC4B590C78-4334-4DDC-BFDF-53C9075BFFCC The Toyota dealership, where I took in the car for service in July.  Free coffee and free donuts.  

I've not seen any other advertising.  Holey Donuts really survived Covid.

Holey Donuts 795 Arnele Ave El Cajon 92020 (619) 536-4747 Open Tues-Sun 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Monday 
549B2AFE-F095-4B30-A338-1032EB463B87

Solomon Bagel Company (North Park)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Today, Cathy is writing.

Solomon Bagel Company has closed.  It will be missed.

The Mister and I had an appointment near the airport the other morning and decided to take the side streets instead of the freeway to get home.  We got to 30th street and found a parking spot.  925EAB83-2010-45F1-9B1A-AD313B162D6E It turns out that online, this relatively new (it opened in April 2020) shop is called Solomon Bagels and Donuts.  However on this day, there were no donuts (I overheard that something wasn't working that morning).  We weren't looking for donuts anyway.
 5FDF8F98-8855-465E-A157-F49F98352DE9 The menu includes beverages, hot/cold/vegan sandwiches, a variety of toppings as well as donuts and donut holes on most days.
0029AE2D-0F69-42CB-B56F-4ED825445878 We were here around 10:30 in the morning and a lot was already sold out.  Good for this local business!

C21CABDD-6848-48E7-87EA-61D355B90960 199D5318-1611-4AD5-A9AA-3B9F928EBF37 I chose to try the Ukrainian Everything bagel with cream cheese.  A pumpernickel base with typical 'everything' seeds on both sides of the bagel, this was wonderful!  A good, chewy, New York style bagel (smaller than you find at the larger chain bagel stores).  I enjoy the rye flour base of pumpernickel. 
898241B1-29C7-4310-9C61-90FCEABA25CA We also tried the countertop special of a Pastrami (on toasted rye, of course) ($8.99) with sauerkraut.  Lettuce, tomato and onion are also standard add ons for sandwiches.  The pastrami was of good quality; no pepper crust (which neither of us like).  Quite a large sandwich and another excellent, seeded rye, chewy bagel.

It must be crowded in the mornings, when there is a 15% discount before 8 a.m. – Lucky nearby neighbors.  We will return if there is available parking.  Soo was here in 2020.

Solomon Bagel Company 4152 30th Street San Diego 92104 (619)326-8248 Open daily 6 a.m.-3 p.m. website
864C493B-2D30-4278-9CB7-026E4D87CE31
45C34EE3-2862-4E01-8403-3D46C36A410D

Phuong Nga Bakery and Café Revisited

**** Phuong Nga Bakery and Cafe is now Banh Mi Express

With the recent hot and relatively muggy weather, I'd been craving banh mi. Also, I had been wanting to revisit Phuong Nga Bakery and Café, but when I initially dropped by after work, I saw that Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 01 their hours were now only from 8am to 3pm Mondays to Fridays. I did pass by on a Saturday and I noticed activity in the place. And then it dawned on me…..all that bread you see Phuong Nga selling from their counter is baked here! Duh….. And so, I made it a point to actually drop by during the shop's business hours to grab a banh mi.

The young man working was very nice and did confirm that the bread at Phuong Nga is indeed baked here.

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 02

I ordered the Banh Mi with Ham and Pate (Banh Mi Thịt Nguoi – $6.19, all sign are only in English) to go and my sandwich was ready in a few minutes.

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 03 Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 04b  The banh mi here have always been on the "hefty" side in my opinion and this was no different. First off, the bread was really crusty, I felt perhaps a bit too heavily baked? One bite resulted in crusty "shrapnel" flying in all directions. Still, this was much better than what I've recently had from Cali Baguette and Cali Banh Mi, both of which seemed to have "jumped the shark" a while back.

There was a nice smear of pate which I enjoyed and perhaps a bit too much Thịt Nguoi? But maybe that because of my own "PPP" (personal proportional preference)?

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 04

The jalapeno was pretty mild and for some reason I felt the sandwich could have done with more cilantro and pickled veggies? Perhaps that's because of the larger amount of protein in this sandwich?

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 05

Anyway, this did fill me up and I think is a decent option for banh mi. If that bread was just a little less baked, it would have brought it up a notch as it was nice and yeasty and the non-crust portions nice and tender. So, I'll probably check them out again soon.

Phuong Nga Bakery and Cafe
9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 8am – 3pm
Closed on Saturday and Sundays

Smokin’ Joe’s Soul Food Weekends at the Poseidon Project – A Quick Look

I had to make a quick run to Siesel's last week. At that time finding parking was just horrible and I managed to find a spot several blocks away from the shop. While walking back to the car I noticed a huge set-up in back of the Poseidon Project.

Smokin Joes 02 Smokin Joes 01   I went in and chatted with the nice folks at Poseidon and they told me that they were starting BBQ on weekends starting on the 5th of August, running from Fridays to Sundays.

Sure enough, I drove past the place yesterday and saw the signs up.

The BBQ is being done by the folks from Smokin' Joe's BBQ. If I recall, these were the folks doing BBQ in at Iowa Meat Farms a while back.

Since I'm all for more variety in our area, I decided to drop on in and get some takeout.

The drill is; you order from the friendly folks here, get a receipt, pay inside Poseidon, and return back with a ticket and pick up your order.

Before ordering, I asked what style of BBQ this was…especially since the menu had Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Tri-Tip, Sausage, and Brisket on it. Having worked and travelled thru some of the south during an earlier life, I was quickly educated on the BBQ of different regions. The guys working looked surprised when I asked, but quickly replied, "Mississippi style".

So, at least for me, unless it's Mississippi Smoked Pot Roast (it's really good, try it if you have a chance) it's basically pork products. I was tempted with pulled pork, but really was craving some ribs and rib tips, which is what I got. Speaking of what I got; the meal also gets you three sides…..aaah, the good 'ole "meat n' three" in spirit.

Smokin Joes 03

And also some (rather mediocre) corn bread.

Smokin Joes 04 Smokin Joes 05  The rib and tips both had a very nice, deep, distinctive smoke ring and a decent, almost "crisp" if uneven bark.

The amount of run used on the baby backs made it really salty, though strangely, the amount on the rib tips were perfect. 

The rib tips were very tender, moist, with the porky flavor shining thru and was my favorite. If the baby backs weren't as salty; they would have been quite good as the meat came off the bone perfectly.

The sauce was on the sweeter side; though the spicy version had a good amount of spice. I really didn't use any of it for my ribs/tips.

Smokin Joes 06

As for the sides. Well, I had wanted Black Eyed Peas but they were out.

My favorite item was usually one of my least favorite' the Breen Beans. Can you tell why?

Smokin Joes 07

Yep, that's fatty pork parts in the beans. It added some good flavor. Also, as you can tell, unlike many versions the beans aren't overcooked and are tender, but still somewhat firm. I'm not a fan of mushy green beans….mushy peas maybe, but not green beans.

I thought the texture of the collard greens, usually one of my favorite items was good.

Smokin Joes 08

But this was much too salty and acidic. I also like a nice touch of smokiness in my collards which this lacked; perhaps it was shrouded by all that salt?

The Mac and Cheese was like one giant lump and not my favorite.

Smokin Joes 09

Still, not a bad start. And I'll try them out a again in a couple of weeks. It's a nice addition to the neighborhood and I hope they stick around. I enjoyed the BBQ from Joe's much more than other places that had opened (then closed in the area). It might be a good option if you're grabbing a cold one from Harland or Poseidon; or just looking for a picnic at Mission Bay across the freeway.

And sometimes, because I'm getting and such….these type of posts bring back blogging memories.

And also is a reminder that I need to start using the 'ol smoker again.

RC 03

Anyway, if you check out Smokin' Joe's, let me know what you think.

Smokin Joes 10

Smokin' Joe's Soul Food Weekends at The Poseidon Project
4126 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110
Every other weekend (Fri – Sun) starting on August 5th

Dining In at Golden City

**** Golden City has closed

Calvin recently told me that he wanted to grab some lunch….not meet outdoors for a lunch to go; but actually dine in. Of course we’d take precautions; masks, tests, and eat during the middle of the week at 11am. As for what he wanted? He was craving Golden City, which used to be a pretty regular stop for us when our offices were located in Kearney Mesa. It was interesting…….even though I’ve done takeout from Golden City during the pandemic, the last time I actually ate in the restaurant was with Calvin at the beginning of 2019! Over 3 1/2 years ago!

So, I arrived and waited a minute or so before Calvin got there. We were the first and other than one other group that arrived about 20 minutes into our meal, the only folks dining. There was a steady flow of takeout business though.

GC In 01

Based on my last takeout post on Golden City a month ago, you might be asking if I’m just a glutton for punishment. Still, I did want to see if the Kwai Fei Chicken was goin to be better then what I’d last gotten for takeout.

So, of course we ordered that, plus two items from the lunch specials menu.

Since we had ordered the two lunch specials soup was included. Both Calvin and I got the hot and sour soup.

GC In 02

Which was really bad. Look at that color; it was so thick like glue, you could smell the vinegar smell from a distance. Both Calvin and I took one sip and were done.

This did not bode well for the meal; but things turned around quickly once the Kwai Fei Chicken arrived.

GC In 03  GC In 04 Take a look at the color of the ginger-scallion sauce to the right and compare it to what I had gotten on my last takeout visit. This had the perfect amount of ginger, tasted crisp, and was perfect. Versus the browning, rancid flavored stuff I’d had last time.

The chicken, while still not as flavorful as it was when I used to get it at the old Convoy location; this was super moist and tender. Which made me wonder; Kwai Fei Ji should travel well, its served at room temperature or colder so I don’t think this would be a takeout versus dining in issue. Perhaps the “B” team was on during my last visit?

Speaking of “B” team, look at the rice we were served.

GC In 05

Can you see the hard clump? And the uneven cooking?

I had forgotten that Calvin doesn’t care for eggplant, so we ended up getting the Salted Fish and Chicken with Tofu instead of eggplant.

GC In 06

In spite of needing some “color” other than greyish-white….the presentation looked awful, this was decent if not quite up to the versions at Noble Chef in terms of funky-salty tones from the salted fish. The tofu was soft and tender as were the pieces of chicken, the dish wasn’t over salty.

Calvin enjoys eating with me because he can get dishes that his Missus won’t eat….or even allow in the house for that matter! We got the Crispy Pork Intestines.

GC In 07

This had a decent offal-ly flavor if a bit on the sweet side. The sweetness nullified any of the salty-earthiness that the fermented black bean would contribute. The intestines were hard and chewy instead of crisp and the “sauce” was a bit too “gloppy” and clumpy.

Still, the Kwai Fei Chicken was better than any version I’ve had in recent memory. Which, on this day was good enough for me.

GC In 08

Golden City Restaurant
5375 Kearny Villa Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123

Mahalo Shave Ice Company (inside Zion)

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