Sushi Yaro’s Last Day of Business is December 30th

On December 20th I received some sad news……first from FOY "YummyYummy" who told me that Sam was calling it quits as of December 30th. Soon enough I received a couple of emails and then FOY Denver posted a comment on my last Sushi Yaro post from back at the end of March letting me know as well. So, I think I've only dined in for one dinner and perhaps one or two lunches in San Diego since I made that visit to Yaro back in March…..but…..like I've mentioned in an earlier post; I've known Sam for over 20 years. So, ok….I decided to head on over on Christmas day, right at 530, thinking that the place would be empty and it was when I got there.

Yaro Closing 01

I ordered some sashimi and chatted with Sam a bit.

Yaro Closing 02
Yaro Closing 02 Yaro Closing 04  Sam is still feeling the residual effects from his stroke and finding dependable staff and supplies and all of the things that go along with the pandemic…..well, he feels he needs an extended break. And after talking to him, I feel he needs time to take care of himself. 

On this evening, it was a one man show….and in spite of it being Christmas Day, the phone kept ringing and by the time I left there were 9 more customers in the place. I asked Sam if I could wash dishes or bus tables, but he cracked up for the first time on this evening and said, "I don't have time to train you Kirk-san……"

Yaro Closing 05

And so, I'm hoping that Sam will take the time off to take care of himself….I've always said that the relationship from the Itamae to the regular customer is a special one. Especially since I've known him since the days at Katzra, to Sammy Sushi, to Wal Mi Do, and of course Sushi Yaro. And heck, I've even run into FOY Lynnea at Sushi Yaro!

So, if you'd like to visit before he closes his doors on the 30th, unless you go right at opening time, it might be good to call – 858-560-1782.

Yaro will be open from the 28th to the 30th of December. Posted hours are 530pm – 10; but Sam told me he closes early if things are slow.

Sushi Yaro
7905 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Good Luck Sam and take care of yourself!

mmm…cakes (Chula Vista)

mmm…cakes has closed after three years. It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk has no internet access.  

The Mister and I were driving  the other day and a bakery on the SouthWest corner of  Third at F Street in Chula Vista caught our eye.  We parked in the Parking Garage behind this central location (it's still free) and walked over. 349ACB4E-E56B-42AD-B3FC-FF6F86AD2980
349ACB4E-E56B-42AD-B3FC-FF6F86AD2980 2E43AF3D-E39F-4576-BE76-656FE3A1FB2E Decorated for the Christmas holidays right now, this space is a good size for being able to sit and have a dessert and coffee.  There are several tables outside also.

After we left, I went to the website and found out the whole story.  Chula Vista native Jose Barajas had participated in several television baking competitions following his 2013 start as a home based cake and dessert business and this shop is the natural progression where he can meet his full creative potential. 
349ACB4E-E56B-42AD-B3FC-FF6F86AD2980 The pastry display caught our eye first.  
349ACB4E-E56B-42AD-B3FC-FF6F86AD2980 The basic cheese danish ($4.50) was exquisite,with a delightful filling (not the standard cream cheese chunk as from other places; lighter) with a multi-layered (but not laminated) Danish pastry that was crisp-fresh, buttery and sweet. It was brought out warmed.  Yes, this is how it was served for eat in.  Special. 
349ACB4E-E56B-42AD-B3FC-FF6F86AD2980 The almond danish  (a bear claw) ($5) was equally wonderful and, as you can see, presented beautifully after warming.  The filling is light and very almond flavored and that dough…wow.  
349ACB4E-E56B-42AD-B3FC-FF6F86AD2980The separate cake display case.  The choices.  The reason for the name.  Of course we ordered cake. 
349ACB4E-E56B-42AD-B3FC-FF6F86AD2980 BD81981F-1D07-402E-A5E3-046154455B0C A slice of Hummingbird cake, ($8.50) which is what I consider a 'standard' for upscale cakes was our choice.  The spice cake base, pineapple, banana and finely chopped pecans each had discernible flavor in this multi-layered, buttercream frosted seasonally decorated slice. (It is *not* fondant which is designed for cakes that do not need  refrigeration; you can see the cakes are all refrigerated). Can't wait to try other flavors.

Beverages offered here are hot and cold-a good variety of coffees and teas and smoothies. Weekend pastry offerings include a rotating selection of seasonal flavors!  Happy to have found this family owned, friendly, quality shop. 

mmm…cakes 310 Third Avenue Chula Vista 91910 (619) 500-5162 website Open Mon 7-10 a.m. Tues-Wed-Th 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-5p.m. CLOSED SUNDAY

F94F809F-3C80-461D-A84A-AEC166C7C79D

Pacific Plate

**** Pacific Plate has closed

Recently, I had to get some replacement parts for the Missus's camera. Andy at work, who's also a professional photographer recommended that I go to Nelson Photo Supplies in Point Loma. It was a great recommendation as they were amazing and it's always fun to see folks as nerdy about something as I am about food. Anyway, I was a bit hungry as I left and since I hadn't been in the area since before the pandemic, I thought I'd see what was up with Embargo Grill. Well, what was up with Embargo Grill was……well, they were gone! I guess they're another casualty of the pandemic….sad. Still, I needed something to eat and I noticed a place called Pacific Plate at the corner of the strip mall.

Pacific P 01

So I decided to take a quick peek inside.

Pacific P 02

And…..it turns out Pacific Plate does various plate lunches…many with names that reference various video games "Haduken" or animated series, "Kakarot"….though to be perfectly honest; a first glance I saw "Kaka-roach"….. Along with musubis and of course, the de rigueur poke bowls and such.

I decided to get a mixed plate….well, here it's called a "2 Item Plate" ($15). I walked up to the counter and the young lady…..well, she really wasn't into it, greeting me with a "yes". Anyway, I placed my order, waited about 15 minutes, the young lady plopped the package on the counter and walked away. Since I was the only customer in the place I figured it was mine and luckily I was right.

I had ordered the Teri Beef – Chicken Katsu combo; you get two "sides" with a plate so I chose rice and mac salad (of course).

Pacific P 03  Pacific P 04 Well, this was interesting; the rice was really mushy, the mac salad had too much mayo and lacked salt. The teri beef was the better of the two items; it was adequately tender, though quite bland. I had to use some of the watered down teriyaki sauce for more flavor.

The chicken katsu had been fried too long and the panko breading was really hard and slightly bitter. The katsu sauce is "local" style and ketchup based.

Pretty mediocre overall. Also, there were no utensils or napkins in the package……but I was having this at home so it was ok. Though I could imagine if I'd decided to stop and eat at a park or something, I would have not been happy at all. There was no sign nor indication in the shop saying that utensils would not be provided or that you had to request it.

Pacific P 05

I wasn't quite sure I was up to it; but since I decided to do a post on this place, I went ahead and revisited.

This time, the young man was very nice, he even walked out my order and handed it to me….and guess what, there was a fork included….though strangely, no napkins?

I went with the combo again and after giving it some thought, I decided not to get the kalbi….not a big fan of the "LA Kalbi" most of these places use. So, I decided on the Teri Chicken and Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings.

Pacific P 06  Pacific P 07 I decided against the mac salad this time around went with the coleslaw, which, while very generic at least had some flavor. The rice was much better this time around.

The salt and pepper chicken wings didn't hold up well during the 15 minute trip back home; it had gotten soggy and greasy. In terms of flavor, this was not bad, not overly salty. The garlic had been fried and mixed in with what looked like crisp panko. The wings could have used bit more spice.

Pacific P 08

The teri chicken was better, it was dark meat, so it had more flavor and was sufficiently tender, though, like the teri beef, it needed that generic teriyaki sauce.

Pacific P 09

For some reason Pacific Plate just didn't "scratch that itch" if you know what I mean. And at fifteen bucks a crack, well, I don't think the quality of the product nor the execution is particularly good. 

Pacific P 10

If you do check them out; let me know what you think!

Pacific Plate
3960 West Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours:
Daily 11am – 8pm

Zizikis Street Food (Sky Deck, Del Mar Highlands)

mmm-yoso!!! is happy to have you visit and read another post.  Cathy is writing while Kirk and His Missus are taking a vacation from both blogging and California. 

At the Southern end of the parking lot of Del Mar Highlands Town Center, which is at the South East corner of El Camino Real and Del Mar Heights Road, I saw the Sky Deck being built earlier this year and wrote it on a piece of paper. so I could remember to check it out once it opened.  

Just found the piece of paper.

57304BE0-DEFA-483F-84B7-99D5D222E652 Decorated for the holidays, it's easy to spot. The upper deck is a 'restaurant collective', with nine curated culinary destinations, each with its own exclusive dining area and a cocktail bar in the center.  It's not a 'Food Court", even though there are no walls.  7DDEA9DF-690A-4A1A-9F9C-89A47DFBF63F  The glass ceiling above the second floor is why it's called the 'Sky Deck'. Beautiful light in daytime.  The 'Brewers Deck' currently houses three of San Diego's top craft beer and kombucha brands.  There's a nautical theme in decor.
4ACA3EB7-6B24-405F-9939-4EE6F0E1796E When we arrived around noon during Thanksgiving week, only three restaurants were open.  We checked out menus and decided on Zizikis Street Food.918511D3-CF85-457D-9E1A-4512460F3DC9918511D3-CF85-457D-9E1A-4512460F3DC9918511D3-CF85-457D-9E1A-4512460F3DC9 This third generation, family owned and run, Greek (not Middle Eastern; there's no falafel on the menu) take on the "modern-classic" recipes and "fine-casual" dining has a focused menu of Shareables, Salads, Sandwiches and Sides (as well as an extensive choice of adult beverages).  The same chef-owner (and shared kitchen) is the restaurant "J", next door. AF402BE6-23D0-439E-A72D-3747A19F1640 Ordered items are walked over.

0C0D1602-0F47-4901-AE0A-C1076C7971F4 Zizikis cheese bread ($7) was one of our choices.  Fresh, fluffy, warm pita topped with a mix of cheese and Greek spices (oregano, parsley, basil and dill..?) with a side of the house tzatziki sauce.  (Flavorful and the reason for the name 'Zazikis'). 
0C0D1602-0F47-4901-AE0A-C1076C7971F4 We also decided on the Hummus Pita ($8). More fresh, toasty pita along with a wonderful artichoke based hummus.  
0C0D1602-0F47-4901-AE0A-C1076C7971F4 The salad we immediately agreed we both wanted to try was lamb ($15).  Grass fed lamb, grilled perfectly (still moist and tender) topping mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, onion and Feta had wonderful flavors.  Tzaziki is the salad dressing here and it really is a great sauce that goes with everything.

We will be trying more of the menu. Soo was here in April, when Sky Deck first opened.

AD8E10FE-D68B-4F3F-9E32-C6E254A2E9FBAD8E10FE-D68B-4F3F-9E32-C6E254A2E9FB Not noticing there was a small, two item dessert menu, the central restaurant, Le Parfait Paris, was where we ordered a Nutella crepe ($8) for a nice end to our meal. 

Zizikis 12841 El Camino Real, Ste 206 San Diego 92130 (858) 925-7595 Open Sun-Th 11:30-9, Fri-Sat 11:30-10   Website

D50A2978-0783-4D5E-8A1B-770AF247448C E7184EE4-E915-4168-9E1B-B54B502618D3

Golden City-more lunches

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, again.  Cathy is writing while Kirk is busy at work.

The Mister and I have been venturing out for meals a bit more lately, visiting places we haven't been since BC-Before COVID and are quite happy for the places which have survived this pandemic.  My last post about Golden City was in December 2019.  Kirk did write about takeout in June 2020, in the midst of COVID-19. DE0388AE-9FE9-4E5C-87DA-7DA95DD8F0A7 The parking lot can be difficult to navigate at lunch hour because of all the businesses, even though Subway has closed. We usually just park on the street or around the corner.
B6FB9789-ED04-4A78-B77B-674D74ED8794 The interior remains the same; clean with tablecloths.  The people who work here are so nice. 
1837C310-D6A1-489F-8F4C-CC925B560AF6 A24CBE01-6DA4-490E-BA70-822ECA6D7913 The pink menu is the lunch menu and the one printed on yellow paper is the daily menu. I do prefer being able to hold a menu than to scan a QR code and read my phone screen; always think I am missing something.
B6FB9789-ED04-4A78-B77B-674D74ED8794 888827A6-F112-427F-BCB1-87146569C157 For our first visit, we had to order our favorite, #45,  Egg Foo Young (Choice of beef, pork or chicken) $10.95.  It remains one of our favorite versions.  Vegetable and egg filled with a crisp crust, even through the gravy.  The pork and peas and carrots topping the platter blend in with each bite. 
B6FB9789-ED04-4A78-B77B-674D74ED8794 #62, Fish Filet with Tofu ($11.95) is quite wonderful. Fried breaded fish pieces (many) along with strips of wrinkled tofu skin, fried tofu cubes and mushrooms in a gingery sauce has become a new favorite.
  C640E141-E14F-4D13-908B-6F8E6DE4036C Most of the lunch specials come with a choice of soup (egg drop or hot sour), a vegetable egg roll. those crunchy wonton strips and plum sauce.
 C640E141-E14F-4D13-908B-6F8E6DE4036C #32, Chicken Chow Mein ($10.95) satisfied the texture craving for lunch one day.  The crunch of vegetables and tender slices of chicken along with bites of the crisp and semi soft (because of the gravy) noodles was something we didn't realize we missed.
C640E141-E14F-4D13-908B-6F8E6DE4036C #82, Sautéed shrimp and Fish Filet ($12.95) was another flavorful meal.  The quite large, plump shrimp along with the thick pieces of fish and the variety of vegetables had textures and colors and distinct flavors.  I hadn't realized how much I missed snow peas!
22526F90-E753-49A2-B11E-24D3CAE1913D  #19, Duck with snow cabbage and vermicelli soup ($9.95) really hit the spot on a chilly day!  An overload of duck pieces, bean sprouts, pickled snow cabbage along with firm but non-clumped vermicelli.  The flavors were distinct and comforting. 

Under the radar, after all these years. Soo had a wonderful dinner here a few years ago!

Golden City Chinese Cuisine 5375 Kearny Villa Road San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 565-6682 open seven days 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 

A7ED669E-16A9-4747-8FDC-FA5968BF215F

Sunday Sandwiches – Uptown Delight Deli

**** Uptown Delight Deli has closed

Here's another one of those mom-and-pop business park sandwich shops that I found by accident. I was between meetings and decided to head off to the Market at HFS for some poke. So, I got on the 805 North and took the Mira Mesa offramp…..only to suddenly realize it was only 930…..yikes….brain fart…..

So, in need of a "plan B" I took a right on Scranton Road and headed to Nancy Ridge Road the back way; fully intent on hitting up Creative Deli when I passed a "Deli" sign along the road. Another business park deli? How many of them are there around here? Of course I stopped to check it out.

SS Uptown 01

This shop occupies the sliver of a space at the end of a building.

SS Uptown 02

There's one, older Asian Woman working here who does everything….and she seems to know her customers, at least the one's I've seen on my visits.

The menu is full on "Boar's Head", though they seem to be out of a couple of items…probably Covid supply chain issues. The prices seem a tad higher than Sunrise/Creative/Kim's etc…..

SS Uptown 03

I decided on trying the Pub Style Roast Beef ($9.25).

SS Uptown 04

They include a Andes thin mint with every sandwich, a nice touch, along with a pickle wedge.

SS Uptown 05_02

I enjoyed the fact that horseradish was used; it gave the sandwich some nice "oomph". The white cheddar was nicely melted, I saw the woman place the roast beef and cheese on the flat top for a minute to heat things thru, a nice touch. I just wish the bread was toasted as the sandwich had a lot of carbs going on…. just too much bread and some textural contrast would have been welcome. 

SS Uptown 06

Of course now that I had been here; I needed to do a couple more visits; so I returned the very next day. I decided not to go with a "sandwich" and decided on the BLT Supreme Wrap ($8.75).

SS Uptown 07

I chose the Sun Dried Tomato wrap which worked out well. This was nicely heated on the flat top along with the slices of bacon. While a bit on the flimsy side; this was the best of the three items I had at Uptown. The creamy and ripe avocado and the fact the bacon was crisp made this a decent lunch.

SS Uptown 08

Not the biggest fan of American Cheese in this; but it worked out fine.

And so, with temperatures rising this past week; I headed back to Uptown Deli and quickly ordered the "Italian Supreme" ($8.75), without realizing it came on that jumbo French roll….

SS Uptown 09  SS Uptown 10 A bit too much bread and they used the juice from the Peperoncini along with a really sour dressing….they said Balsamic; but since when is Balsamic yellow? There was so much of it that it did the "shart thing" when I bit into it.

Still, no complaints with regards to the price and portion.

SS Uptown 11 SS Uptown 12 Like I've said many times before……places like this keep the masses fed. And as we return to our offices post Covid; I'm thinking they will play a key part in our return.

Uptown Delight Deli
6310 Nancy Ridge Dr.
San Diego, CA 92121
Hours:
Mon – Fri 7am – 3pm
Closed Sat – Sun

And I keep wondering; how many of these places are out there?

La Miche Kabobgee (again)

Well, you're reading mmm-yoso!!!, maybe looking for lunch ideas or maybe you are just curious as to what Cathy ate, or maybe you are wondering when Kirk will return from vacation.  In any case, welcome! 

Even though I wrote my first post about La Miche in May, while Kirk wrote a post in April (and many posts prior).  It has become a semi -regular stop for The Mister and me. 652DC23B-0BC0-4217-A357-88DC7D1F1756 The owner (Nabih) and his wife recognize us now and are always so friendly.
EDC3E735-CF24-45AD-BF5E-648F445A6BFF We chose our table to have a view of the kitchen on this visit.  Sometimes we can see flames leaping during cooking.

487F7E7C-D0E1-4A21-AB7E-494153963A58487F7E7C-D0E1-4A21-AB7E-494153963A58487F7E7C-D0E1-4A21-AB7E-494153963A58 The menu was brought out- it's not under glass any more. This was dinner; lunch prices are less.  Website link at bottom of this post.  The odd cents for the price of each item take into account tax that will be added to make it a 'round' number.  If you pay in cash, it's easier to not have to deal in pennies (or nickels or dimes).
652DC23B-0BC0-4217-A357-88DC7D1F1756 As always, flavorful, fresh hummus and just made, hot pitas are brought out when you are seated. 
652DC23B-0BC0-4217-A357-88DC7D1F1756 The Mister likes to try moussaka whenever he sees it on a menu ($12.53 lunch, $15.08 dinner).  The Lebanese/Middle East/vegetarian version doesn't use any béchamel and is not layered like the Greek version; it is more like a stew.  Wonderful with a good amount of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, chickpeas, onions and garlic cloves (we found a few within the sauce-mild and almost sweet because of the simmering). Seasonings are mild and there is no need to add salt or pepper.  This is a new favorite.  
652DC23B-0BC0-4217-A357-88DC7D1F1756 In my prior post, I had ordered the Fish Kabobgee and this time I wanted to try the other fish version-Mediterranean Fish ($13.46 lunch, $18.56 dinner)). Grilled white fish topped with tomato, onion, cilantro, garlic and lemon juice.  I do love a good char on seafoods as well as meats, so the difference from the sautéed fish was notable.  Yet, I am not sure which I like better because each version is so fresh, meaty and flavorful.  

A wonderful, family owned and run restaurant. 

La Miche Kabobgee 9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego 92123 (858) 565-1165
Current Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am – 3pm Fri 11am – 7:30pm, Sat 4pm – 7:30pm Closed on Sunday Website

66150D49-629E-4D9A-BC05-F4BC100DC503 The presentation of the Mediterranean fish.  You can see a corner of the salad which, along with rice was part of each of our meals.

Tea Station (one more post)

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!! on this lovely day.  Kirk and His Missus are still vacationing while Cathy is writing.

The first time I wrote about Tea Station was in 2007; I was fascinated with the concept.  This San Diego Franchisee location of an internationally owned snack/small meal/beverage/shaved ice dessert spot remained open during COVID-19, which is so nice. (The Mister and I stop in pretty regularly, with posts about visits in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2019).  We usually order one item to share, along with a beverage.  There are Monthly Specials and Lunch Specials but I am listing the regular menu prices. 410EC86E-4058-4416-AE09-37005D58EFDD There have been a few changes, with the ability to order from your table as well as at kiosks and the cash register.9377C44F-D90A-4FE1-AF44-6A7847196094

The menu is about the same, serving some tasty food.77440E8F-A102-4A77-AF8A-08CC451ACFFD Green onion pancake with egg ($7.99) is a good choice.  The flaky, crisp egg topped pancake is served with a good chili sauce.  Tasty and a nice snack.
77440E8F-A102-4A77-AF8A-08CC451ACFFD Tea dumplings ($13.50) are pretty much a craving.  Sure the price has increased over the years ($6.50 in 2007), with the flavors remaining consistent.  
77440E8F-A102-4A77-AF8A-08CC451ACFFD Marinated chicken meal set ($16.96) was our choice one day.  The plump pieces of lightly breaded flavorful chicken were memorable and served with the sides of three condiments and rice.  You might notice everything above was served in disposable packaging…another COVID-19 result, but also easy for leftovers.  We did eat in.  Desserts, however are served on 'real' plates.410EC86E-4058-4416-AE09-37005D58EFDD FB59E550-24F1-4498-99B6-43CDC00C2DB1 Peanut butter toast ($6) was a perfect snack along with a pot of hot tea.
410EC86E-4058-4416-AE09-37005D58EFDD E4272A7D-4184-4C92-917E-45D0E1B0717E One very hot day, the Iced coconut combination ($8.50) was what we craved.  Everything-sweet red and black beans, grass jelly, mochi and coconut milk over ice, served in this very large bowl.  A great choice when you do want a bit of everything.46947742-6239-40EC-B4E4-7E5CAD290762 Then again, my craving was dark plum with grass jelly shaved ice ($7.50)-prune juice and grass jelly.  Pure flavors and yes, a definite craving.
410EC86E-4058-4416-AE09-37005D58EFDD Peach yogurt snow ice ($6.75) is a great beverage.  I notice that there are quite a few yogurt based (probiotics or just tart?) beverages available everywhere and have started to order those, because maybe they are "better".  Anyhow, this was tasty.  B3CC39C5-7325-4480-88E6-25166062629F Fresh lemon green tea (large)($6.50) was ordered with no sweetness and light ice.  We were warned.  Fresh squeezed lemon juice- tart! You can taste the green tea as well as the lemon, which is quite fascinating. Will order again. 
410EC86E-4058-4416-AE09-37005D58EFDD C34F8A97-D3B4-4F95-BF7B-4FE265A104D7 CC34C43E-795A-47E3-A718-79CC1A5DB76E There are three ordering kiosks at the entrance (in the cash register area).  The screen saver all summer was for these fresh fruit teas ($3.99 each, with a minimum order of two).  You could choose black or green tea.  Apple, pineapple, watermelon, lemon, lime, kiwi. Not too sweet, very refreshing. The screen saver/offer stopped at the end of September.  I sure hope this beverage/fruit salad comes back.  

A good spot for relaxing with a snack. Some changes due to COVID-19.

Tea Station 7315 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (858) 268-8198 Open 11:30 a.m.-midnight daily website
410EC86E-4058-4416-AE09-37005D58EFDD

Perry’s Cafe (El Cajon) breakfasts-again

This location of Perry's has, sadly, closed.  Only the Old Town location remains. 

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!! Cathy is writing today while Kirk is taking a break. 

I've written about the El Cajon location of Perry's Cafe only twice, but it has been a regular breakfast stop for us over the years.BB409F3C-B339-4698-8CF7-66A22195F395 During some of the more restrictive COVID-19 days, there was outdoor seating in the parking lot and the condiments were ready to be put on the outdoor tables.94BE028C-05AB-44E4-AE88-95AAEB1F5B98 One day, The Mister chose the strawberry French Toast breakfast ($11.99).  There are a choice of fruit toppings in addition to plain French Toast (menu at bottom of this post).  The over easy eggs were, as always, perfectly made.  The bacon is crisp and the toast is crisp on the exterior and fluffy on the interior; perfect. 2069921F-0B18-4BBC-8145-C31CAEDE713AThese were the condiments brought out: warm syrup and lemons and tartar sauce. You might wonder why.
EC65055B-3DC3-4D21-9B35-896C8697C9A1 Well, it's because fish and eggs ($13.25) are on the breakfast menu. This meal, with a choice of potatoes (home fries for me, of course) as well as toast or muffin (banana nut was a choice this day), perfect over easy eggs (the grill is utilized perfectly in this diner) and pan fried, lightly floured fish is always satisfying.  I fondly remember my catfish breakfast at Smokey's back in 2010.2785454C-53CC-4260-96A3-BEE23E08533D FA72AC3C-0F5B-4C87-98DC-0895CA6DAE9F The Mister chose the Italian Sausage Frittata ($12.99) one day. The mild sausage was plentiful, with scrambled eggs, mixed cheeses and tomato baked in a pan and lightly firm.  The sides were a pumpkin muffin and home fries.  As always, we choose items we don't want to prepare at home.
2785454C-53CC-4260-96A3-BEE23E08533DFrom the "Mexican Breakfast" side of the menu, I decided to try the Huevos Revueltos con Nopales ($11.50).  Scrambled eggs with cactus, onion, mild chiles and tomato.  This was wonderful, filling and something I will order again.  The meal included refried beans with cheese and warmed tortillas as well as a vey nice salsa.  The cactus is soft and not salty; has a distinct yet subtle flavor.AD9CD6ED-CE94-43E3-9CFB-22654D8A31C2The chicken fried steak ($10.75- a white board special at the front door on this weekday) had a crisp, yet light coating and the chopped steak was quite nice, as was the country style gravy and the perfect eggs.  The hash browns were nicely crisped and the biscuit, well, it wasn't quite right at this meal; it was dense instead of fluffy, but the top 'crust' was good with butter. (The dogs got a treat).  
AD9CD6ED-CE94-43E3-9CFB-22654D8A31C2 I had to get the fish and eggs again. (still $13.25) and this time the fish pieces were quite thick and still lightly floured with a crisp pan fry.  Poached eggs and a blueberry muffin this time along with the crispy home fries.  Always satisfying. 

Hope you are having a nice, cool, Autumn weekend!

Perry's Cafe 475 North Magnolia El Cajon, CA (619) 440-5724 open daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

DE336A25-52D2-4645-BE9E-C2DD3E9A7DFADE336A25-52D2-4645-BE9E-C2DD3E9A7DFA F35A10B4-F36C-4505-AD31-2B3895B2E5C1

More Than Sandwiches – Exploring Other Options at SuperNatural Sandwiches

**** SuperNatural Sandwiches has closed

 C-19 Super 01b  Man, it seems we're in this never ending cycle of Covid during the pandemic….time just kind of slides by. I thought I had "just" posted on SuperNatural Sandwiches, but that post was back in May of last year!

At that time the ordering and pick-up was still being done at the outside counter. But, just as I'm transitioning back to the office, SuperNatural has also been transitioning and now has the old counter work in effect, with indoor dining and such. While I'm not quite ready for this with the latest variant; I'm still doing online takeout orders which work with the same efficiency as before.

C-19 Super 02
C-19 Super 02

And while it's quite easy to order the same 'ol, same 'ol……."FOYs" like Loren and Junichi have really given some nice recommendations to add some variety into my fairly boring life. Loren had both recommended the fries and the salad variation, which has been added to my ordering routine.

The recent super hot weather has gotten me to order the Salad version of the Kirin a couple of times.

No Wich Super 01  No Wich Super 02  Which has kinda been in the rotation recently. The Kirin – with plump shrimp and Chinese sausage just does so well in a salad. And the portion size is quite generous. I don't need to order any fries with this as I'm stuffed……the dressing also does quite nicely as well.

After having this salad, I wondered how the two other preparations would do. Junichi mentioned having the fried rice option (+ $1), so on my next visit I decided to order the Kirin as fried rice….and of course I added a Fried Egg (+ $2).

No Wich Super 03 No Wich Super 04  Well, this was a bit puzzling for me as I wasn't a great fan of the lettuce in my fried rice. While the rice was nicely coated in a soy sauce mixture, it was on the dry and hard side.

I addition, that egg was overcooked as well.

There also didn't seem to be as much Chinese sausage as I had in the salad on my previous visit. 

Overall, it seemed a bit odd and one-dimensional. If I have the fried rice option again; it might be with some other sandwich "option". Maybe Junichi can reveal what his "go-to" for the fried rice might be.

No Wich Super 05

Finally, I decided to get the Kirin as Garlic Noodles (+$4). To be perfectly honest, I didn't quite know what to expect.

No Wich Super 06  No Wich Super 07 And while the container didn't seem particularly large, it was quite heavy. And upon opening the cover….whew…this was garlic noodles alright. Good thing the office was basically empty and after eating lunch all the meetings were via Zoom. I also had to discard the mask I wore on this day.

The standard issue noodles were nicely coated with a soy based sauce, the noodles were nicely prepared and still al dente. I did finish all of the shrimp and sausage and had a ton of noodles left, which I had with dinner. Talk about a major carb bomb, but this wasn't bad at all. The sauce for the shrimp went well with things and I didn't mind having cucumber with my noodles. 

The one thing I would really like next time is to have the scallions on top of things. The noodles were obviously just dumped into the container, the green onions in a clump at the bottom. The only way I found it was after eating all the shrimp and the sausage; I gave things a good mix, which, based on how stuffed the whole container was, would not have worked out well with a full container. Still, I'd have this again……when I need to carb load….

No Wich Super 08

You know, these times have me grasping for that which is familiar and comforting. I've been a customer of SuperNatural since they were at the San Diego Public Market and was quite happy when they finally opened a brick and mortar shop (where Gourmet Artisan is now located), before settling into their current location (of course they are still open in Little Italy).

The folks working have always been friendly and my online order is always ready at the designated time. Which keeps me coming back……

SuperNatural Sandwiches
7094 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121
Current Hours:
Mon – Thurs 11am – 3pm
Fri – Sat 11am – 4pm
Closed on Sundays