Closed – Page 81

Pat and Oscar’s-and what Cathy always orders

April 5, 2008 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Chains, Mediterranean Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Pat and Oscar's has closed most of their locations. They will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!! is the blog about food. Today, Cathy is back with a short post.

Hello once more. I'm still here blogging and Kirk and His Missus are still enjoying their adventures in Vietnam. I did get an email from him when he was going to be away from the internet for a few days. They are enjoying their vacation immensely and you'll get to see all about it in due time. SO ANYHOW…There is a local "chain" here in San Diego, called "Pat and Oscars". It is semi self serve in that you order, pay, grab plates/silverware/napkins, seat yourself and then have the food delivered to your table. You can put together a bunch of tables for a large gathering and the prices are reasonable, especially for groups. You can see their menu on line at www.Breadstick.com. They make a variety of items, yet after trying everything from the menu over the years, The Mister and I end up ordering the same thing. Always.

The chicken meal for two ($16.99). It includes a choice of a Cesar or Greek salad. I always choose Greek. You can see it has onions, beets, green pepper slices, feta and olives. I really crave this salad.

The meal also includes an order of 12 breadsticks- fresh made, topped with olive oil and a touch of garlic flavor. {The website address is breadstick.com: Pat and Oscar's are *known* for their breadsticks. Sometimes if the line to order is long, they are passing out samples to those waiting: sometimes they had out breadsticks to people in front of the restaurant…it is *the* reason a lot of people eat here. }

Of course, included is a whole rotissiere cooked chicken- either Lemon or BBQ.

Always the Lemon.

The items are always good, fresh, hot and taste great.

You can see The Mister makes open faced sandwiches with his breadsticks and chicken and I eat my salad with breadsticks and enjoy the chicken by itself.

Seriously, we have tried the pizza, ribs, sandwiches, pasta, soups and the BBQ chicken and they are not as tasty as this particular combination. {If the pizza dough were made from the breadstick dough, then *maybe* I would like the pizza here. It isn't}

When you go to the website, sign up for the promotional emails and you occasionally get a coupon for $5 off of $15, and this meal fits in that category.

Hope you all have a nice, uneventful weekend.

Chulo’s Food Truck-Mariscos, tacos and caldos!

March 27, 2008 Cathy Seafood, Taco Shops, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the food blog. A little peek into an anonymous diary of what Kirk and some of his friends ate. Kirk is gone. Cathy is here. Today, you can read what Cathy ate. Or not.

Hi. No, Kirk is not back yet.

So anyhow, I was driving North on 54th, to meet some friends who live on Easy Street. Really. San Diego 92105. Easy Street. People live there. Not me, though.

At the signal light of 54th and Redwood, I was waiting and saw this Food Truck. I made a mental note (since I didn’t have a pen) and on my way home, I was hungry, remembered and drove to it.

Technically, it is on the feeder road on the Northeast corner. You can’t miss it, no other businesses on the other corners.

I parked and walked up and looked at the menu.

Very cool- mostly seafood, except for the menudo, Carne Asada and Chorizo.

I decided on the fish taco for 99¢ and the camaron quesedilla $5- but my total charge was $7. Exactly. So maybe the listed prices are wrong, or something else… doesn’t matter.

There was a table with three chairs under the awning attached to the truck and there were a plethora of different hot sauces to choose from, along with bottled and canned beverages in ice.

I did recall seeing a line of people waiting to order and eat here last year when I was visiting my friends . Since this truck was still here, it must be pretty good, I thought to myself while waiting.

So, I ordered, put some money in the tip jar and the nice gentleman asked me if I would like some seafood caldo (soup) while I waited…of course!

A rich tomato based broth with onions and celery and chunks of fish in my portion. Excellent, deep flavor.

I had to wait a bit for the food to be finished cooking, but did not mind.

It was fascinating to see the cocteles the other people had ordered and were eating. Not overly large, but they appeared to be fresh made.

This was my fish taco. Not great, but not bad…for 99¢. I won’t complain.

The quesedilla was the best surprise ever. There were 15 juicy fresh quite large shrimp which were sauteed with sweet red onions and green peppers, slightly burned from the pan frying, on a huge, very cheese filled tortilla. It was heavy with filling and cut into 5 pieces.

I am *so* very happy I stopped here. I was hungry and knew I needed to get something interesting for the blog.

Mental Note: Do this more often…just stop and eat.

Chulos Food Truck 54th at Redwood (North East corner) San Diego 92105

The Fish Bucket Seafood Market and Grotto- Great Seafood in Tierrasanta

March 23, 2008 Cathy Seafood, What Cathy Eats!

Fish Bucket Grill is under new ownership: New Website

mmm-yoso is just a blog. Really. It's about food. Sometimes we tell you how we happened to stop and eat at a particular place, or why we found it, and sometimes we just write about a meal. While Kirk and His Missus are on their adventurous vacation, Cathy is writing about …you know…food.

Hello again. I am back…So, anyhow, I had occasion to be in Tierrasanta very early one morning and saw this place, on Santo Road, just off the 52, next to the Post Office. It is kind of new-opened in late December. I made a mental note to come back when the business was open.

So one day, it was lunch time. I decided to get the Fish and Chips, to go.

I only got the 1/2 order, (1/4 pound of fresh fish) with the spicy salted waffle fries for $5.95. You can substitute sweet potato fries for an additional $1.50, but I wanted to try a "basic" meal here.

As you can see, a very good serving size. Four large pieces of hand breaded with panko fresh fish, fried to a golden brown, a good serving of fries which were still crispy when I got home, a pretty large serving of cole slaw and a half slice of grilled garlic-butter bread.

As I was waiting, I snapped a photo of the fresh fish in the refrigerator. Prices are comparable to Anthony's and Point Loma Seafoods. Very fresh fish; no fishy smells in here.

I had to bring The Mister back one day and sit inside for a meal. We chose the Grilled Salmon Caesar salad ($9.95)- two salmon filets lightly charbroiled. The lettuce was Romaine and the dressing was good and garlicky and creamy, but I don't think made in house. The croutons were packaged and unnecessary and the grilled garlic bread was wonderful, crispy and fresh. A filling salad.

The Mister got the Fish and Shrimp plate ($11.95)- the panko breaded fried fresh fish and light lightly panko breaded fried shrimp, which were very large and juicy and quite flavorful. There were 6 shrimp and four pieces of fish on the plate.

All the fish served is fresh and when they are out, they are out. It is worth the stop to come here to eat.

Only seven tables inside and one outside and there was a sign on the awning about a Sunday Champagne Brunch, which I will be looking into very soon.

The Fish Bucket Seafood Market and Grotto 6030 Santo Road, Suite G, San Diego 92124 (858) 715-0221

Cafe Dore Revisited

March 18, 2008 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Sandwiches, Vietnamese Restaurants

**** Cafe Dore has closed

Cafe Dore has been a favorite of mine when it comes to Banh Mi. And though there's been the odd day when the bread perhaps did not quite live to billing, I've been content to just roll into Cafe Dore every now and then. As is my habit, after visiting a place, I usually keep my camera stowed, and go on with life. But after having discussions with a few friends, some of them quite humorous, I thought I'd do an updated post on Cafe Dore.

One of the first things I noticed at Cafe Dore(other than the huge television), is that typical of Vietnamese Coffee Shop culture, the place is male dominated. Guys out-number the Gals about 8-12 to one. On our visits, the Missus has been the token female in the place….not that it bothered Her one bit. The other amusing thing about Cafe Dore, that I noticed, was the amount of attention paid the two "video game machines" in the back of the place. It immediately dawned on me that middle aged men had no reason to be paying so much attention to a video game…sometimes there's a little crowd around the game. I'll stop there……you get the point!

FOY John told me that other than the television, Cafe Dore hasn't changed since he's been going there….over 10 years…..same video games, same carpet, you get the idea. The giant TV has either various info-mercials, or Vietnamese Variety Shows on. Once, while waiting for my Banh Mi, I found myself watching a nice travelogue….I didn't understand a word, but thought to myself, "wow, that place really looks like Vegas…." Until I realized it was a Vietnamese travelogue of Las Vegas! Another constant at Cafe Dore is the total disregard of the "No Smoking" signs posted around the place. You'll several Guys smoking with surreptitiously hidden ash trays at every table. And yet, where I would normally find these quirks and habits irritating at other places….here at Cafe Dore it's just another day. I'll even go as far to say that there's a kind of charm to it; during the busy mornings you'll see bleary eyed Guys waking up with their morning Cà phê sữa đá, and having their breakfast Banh Mi….by 10am, there's usually at least one card game going…or checkers. And because English is not the primary language you'd hear at Cafe Dore…..if you have a vivid enough imagination, you'll feel transported.

Here's a run down of some recent(last 4 months) eats from Cafe Dore.

Hu Tieu My Tho($5.75):

The somewhat mushy rice noodles were covered with chicken(very soft), BBQ Pork(the stuff you find in their Banh Mi – yum), and some shrimp that needed some fattening up. The sauce was a savory tomato based concoction that featured minced pork and dried shrimp. The dried shrimp was a burst of flavor that always caught me off guard. The whole shebang was served with Tong Ho (Garland Chrysanthemum – what I grew up calling Shingiku), some lettuce that was really in need of a wash, and sliced Jalapeno Peppers. Overall, this wasn't the most inspired Hu Tieu I've ever had, but it sure wasn't bland!

The Hu Tieu also came with a nice and rich broth, with some pretty good meatballs:

On another occasion when the Missus was having Her favorite Banh Mi, I ordered the Banh Mi Bo Kho(Beef Stew with Baguette – $5.75):

I found this version of the beef stew to be not as oily as others, if a bit weak in the spices and flavoring department as Bo Kho goes. The meat was moist and fairly tender, but lacked a beefy punch. I did enjoy the pieces of tendon that were soft and buttery.

And I like the bread at Cafe Dore, which more than made up for any shortfalls.

On one visit the Missus tore Herself away from Her usual Banh Mi and ordered the Com Tam Bi Cha Thit Nuong(Broken Rice with shredded pork, steamed egg cake, and grilled pork – $6.75):

I found the Com Tam to be dry, and not very fragrant…and the Missus told me it was like veggies provided had been moved from plate to plate uneaten.

The big winner was the steamed egg and pork cake, which was soft. moist, and bursting with flavor.

Don't ask me about the Bi….I never got a chance to taste it.

The grilled pork had decent flavor, but was on the dry side:

All of this came with a very nice Nuoc Mam Cham, and a small bowl of broth which was a bit on the salty side this time around.

So did I just pick stuff off the Missus's plate…..of course not. In a moment of Banh Mi envy, I ordered a Banh Mi I saw someone else eating….I don't even know what it's called….I don't even know if it's on the menu. But I just knew I had to have it. I mean, how can you resist this?

Nice runny egg, Cha Lua that had been on the griddle, the same with some fatty pork, cilantro, cucumber, a dash of Maggi(like I needed any more salt?)………pretty good stuff.

As you can see, for me it all comes back to the Banh Mi at Cafe Dore, and though you can read about the Banh Mi Dac Biet here, I thought I'd provide another photo:

Than there's the Missus's favorite at Cafe Dore, the Banh Mi Bi($2.75):

I tried the Banh Mi Xiu Mai one day(Meatball – $2.75):

And even though the meatballs were studded with large pieces of shrimp, I'm just not a fan of the tomato sauce used for flavoring this Banh Mi. I prefer the version from Saigon Sandwiches and Deli next door.

We consider most of the food(minus Banh Mi) at Cafe Dore to fall into the Vietnamese Diner category….not a bad category by any means. Like the place or hate it; you gotta say Cafe Dore has got tons of personality.

Cafe Dore
4135 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92105

Birrieria Los Gueros

March 17, 2008 mmm-yoso Mexican Restaurants, Taco Shops

*** Birrieria Los Gueros has closed.

This little shop is located near the corner of El Cajon Boulevard and Winona Avenue, and is partially hidden by the bus stop near that corner. And though I've passed the place hundreds of times, I don't think I've ever seen a single person in the place. Though it just may be that the aged and smudged windows just obscure my view.

Recently, the large sign above the front of the restaurant went up, and on a recent weekend morning, stomach growling, I decided to grab a bite here.

The interior is decorated in a random fashion, from the just ever so slightly tilted bull horns(I was expecting goat horns….), to the Chargers poster, and even though the place is relatively clean, you just get the feeling that everything is covered in a layer of dust. The menu sits on the wall, with former prices taped over, and yellowing edges….there is a kind of haphazard charm to this place. Though let it be said that I've had many great meals on places like these.

As is the norm for shops like these, the prices are quite reasonable. With tacos going for $1.25, Burritos $4.00, and Menudo and Birria $5.75. After speaking to the very nice young lady I learned, no Barbacoa de Borrego(lamb), only Barbacoa de Res(beef). I decided to have a few tacos, and placed my order, 1 Taco Al Pastor, 2 Birria de Chivo. I was asked if I wanted onions and cilantro on my tacos, which was something a bit different….I'm used to getting my tacos, and adding cilantro, onions, and salsa from a bar. But here they put them on the tacos for you.

In a few minutes 3 nicely wrapped tacos arrived at my table. Along with some very, very good pickled carrots and onions, and in something else new to me…..wedges of lemon, instead of lime. I'm wondering if this is some regional preference? A bottle of nicely spiced salsa roja was also brought to the table.

The Al Pastor, was nothing special, not very tasty, and on the tough side. The corn tortillas were also mediocre….

The Birria de Chivo was very interesting.

You could tell the meat had been simmered for a good long time, and while it didn't look it, I found the flavor to be better than the Birria I had from Birria's Chivo and Cheves, more spice, more salt, nice fat content…but there was just one thing about the flavor that got to me. Even though there was some depth to it, there was a graininess and after taste to the birria that was much like liver…something that I'm not a big fan of. I don't know if it was just this batch of meat, or what…..

The young lady who served me was very nice. But I think I'll wait a while before returning….. Maybe someone has a recommendation for this restaurant?

Birrieria Los Gueros
4944 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Just one more thing…..

Every once in a while, I see something that just makes my day. While perusing Sarah's wonderful blog The Delicious Life, Sarah did a post to summraize items she came across during the week. Among the items (french fry coated hot dog), was a YouTube impromptu Food Court Musical:

For some reason it just made my day! Can I get a napkin please? Have you ever had the urge to just break out in song? Well….maybe not ….. Thanks Sarah!

A Revisit to Dede’s

March 15, 2008 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants

*** Dedes' has closed

Whew, it's been a long day of running around, so just a real quick post tonight.

Ever since I had what I considered to be a very mediocre version of Cumin Lamb at The "New" Spicy City, I've been pining for my favorite local version of the dish. Finally giving in to the craving we headed over to Dede's. And of course I ordered the Cumin Flavored Lamb($9.50):

Other than the price, which has gone up $1 in the last few months, it is the same dish that I posted about in 2006. Perhaps a lighter hand was used in regards to the salt this time around. One of the benchmarks of a good version of cumin lamb requires left-overs. If the Missus walks into the kitchen while I'm in the process of reheating the cumin lamb with fingers pinching Her nostrils telling me; "ewwww, that smells like really bad B.O., open the windows!" I know it's good.

We also tried the Chung King Hot Pot($13.99):

While the broth had the required "ma-la"(numbing hot) thing down, this fiery caudron lacked the flavors of herbs and other spices that we enjoy in in this style of Hot Pot. In other words it was only spicy….. The bean curds sheets added a nice texture, as did the tender chicken, but the tripe was very bad, I don't think it had been prepared properly, it had a dank odor, and the flavor was on the bitter-unpleasantly milky side.

Still, I was more than satisfied with my Cumin Lamb…and was more than satisfied with the Missus's reaction to my reheating the dish. I think I'll need another Cumin Lamb fix again soon……. I've been told that cumin is addictive, I'm starting to believe that there's some truth to that statement.

Dede's Teajuice City
4647 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

My previous post on Dede's can be found here.

Aji Seco

March 5, 2008 mmm-yoso Latin American Cuisine, Peruvian Restaurants

*** Aji Seco has closed and is now Nazca Grill

When I first heard about Aji Seco, I was over-joyed! More Peruvian in San Diego…wonderful! Problem was, I couldn't find the darn place. When FOY(Friend of Yoso) Candice finally gave me some instructions on the location, I was dumbfounded……the restaurant was located practically under my nose:

So of course I headed up to check out Aji Seco…..than headed back up, again, and again, and again, with no luck. It seemed like the place was never open! After having such a great time in Peru, we decided that there would be no better way to spend V-Day, than at a Peruvian Restaurant. So we thought we'd try and see if the place was open…and hit paydirt!

The tiny restaurant was pretty full, and all the clientele looked Peruvian. The first thing I noticed was that Aji Seco, and the neighboring Taco Shop, Nieto's was connected by this large gaping entranceway:

For some reason, the phrase, "like brothers from different Mothers" was silently uttered…. Nieto's and Aji Seco, though not affiliated(at least that is what I was told), and with separate kitchens, was connected by this umbilical doorway, and 2 other things; the Taco Shop's salsa bar is located on the Aji Seco side, while the restrooms are on the Taco Shop side. It was quite interesting to see, Guys in flip-flops and shorts strolling past the tables of the more well attired customers on his way to the salsa bar.

The menu "Del Dia", I was guessing that the menu will differ from day to day, featured a good array of standard Peruvian specialties, ranging from Aji de Gallina to Cebiche de Pescado. The Missus was in heaven…..She saw one of Her favorite dishes, Pescado a lo Macho($11):

When the plate arrived the sauce was cold, so we flagged down the Server, who was very apologetic, the plate was returned a short time later, the problem corrected. The Missus enjoyed the moist, and well seasoned fish. There wasn't much seafood in the cream based sauce, which had less tomato and was less spicy than what I was used to, but the Missus enjoyed it, and thought it well flavored.

Of course, I ordered the Lomo Saltado($10):

This was a solid rendition of what many consider to be Peru's National Dish. The beef was fairly tender, and the ratio of ingredients was excellent. The flavoring was less tangy than some versions I've had, but the flavor was still good. What I didn't care for was the rice, which was very hard.

Overall, not a bad meal…the Missus had considered getting the Cebiche, but thought the weather was just too cold to order it…which of course meant another visit. Before we left, we asked about the hours of operation, and was told, "maybe 5 or 6pm, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and today we're open."

So a few weeks later, we arrived to get the Missus her Cebiche de Pescado($8.50) fix:

The Leche de Tigre(Tiger's Milk – the cebiche marinade) was nice and "picante", lower in citrus, so not as sour. The fish was very fresh, and had a nice "chew". The Missus really enjoyed this, it may just be Her new favorite. The only thing that we weren't pleased with were the Cancha(toasted corn kernels) which were dry, crumbled like sawdust, and tasted like the cheap, mass produced packaged stuff we had in Lima. The camote (sweet potato) had been overcooked, thus making it mushy, and all the flavor had been leached out of it. Still, the Missus really enjoyed the Cebiche!

The Missus also ordered a "small" portion of Aji de Gallina($5.00):

The Missus didn't enjoy this very much. The chicken was stringy, the sauce pasty, the potatoes lacked flavor, and it was just very bland overall.

I ordered Seco de Carne(Beef Stew – $9):

This was excellent, and hit on all cylinders; the beef was stewed to a perfect texture, and the nice meaty flavor came through. The cilantro, and I'm guessing, vegetable based "gravy" was wonderful as well. The Missus kept attacking my plate… I also really enjoyed the Frijoles a la Nortena – the creamy and tasty Canary Beans. The only thing I didn't care for was the rice….again, really hard, and dry.

We finished off the meal with some Lucuma(Egg Fruit) Ice Cream:

We were given a huge bowl of Ice Cream! I thought the ice cream tasted kind of "old" and the Lucuma flavor was very faint. Still, it sure was a generous amount.

The service on both visits, while a bit disorganized, was very friendly and accommodating. It looks like they're still some "kinks" to work out, both food(the side dishes) and service wise, but both the Cebiche and Seco de Carne gave us reason to return. The prices are very reasonable for Peruvian food. I'm sure that things will improve as the restaurant opens with more regular hours. One of the Owners; Carlos Gonzalez, told us that Aji Seco's Grand Opening will be on March 15th! We may just check it out.

Aji Seco
4310 Genesee Ave
San Diego, CA 92117

Babylon Cafe

March 3, 2008 mmm-yoso Greek Food, Mediterranean Restaurants

*** Babylon Cafe has closed.

Got home late tonight, so just a quick post…….

When I saw the sign for Babylon Cafe on one of my trips to Ba Ren, I was intrigued.

Just what would be served at this little restaurant. I was pretty sure it would be Middle Eastern, but just what, exactly….would it be Babylonian-Assyrian inspired food? So a few months ago, I decided to check it out.

As I walked up to the door the Kronos Gyros poster gave it away. Babylon Cafe, was a neighborhood Kabob Shop. The menu a simple mix of the standards: Gyros, Kabobs, Greek Salads, and the like.

Trying to hide my slight disappointment, I quickly took in the positives, the restaurant was well lit, clean, and the folks very nice. The prices, especially for the "sandwiches" weren't bad at all….all under 5 bucks. Unfortunately, there was no lamb on the menu…..

So I just decided to have the Beef Gyros Sandwich($4.59):

The meat was cut fresh from the spit, and was moist, the amount was on the generous side. I'm thinking that this is decent pre-fab Kronos meat. Some tomato and onion finished up the sandwich, and no lettuce filler. The pita was nice and warm.

One thing I didn't care for was the Tzatziki, it is runny, and lacks flavor. Hummus, which was on the pasty-bland side, and even more pita was provided to complete the meal.

This is pretty much the equivalent to "casual-fast" food, think Daphne's. The Gyros Sandwich is easily worth the $4.59, and provides some variety in the area. As mentioned earlier, the folks running the place seemed very nice, and I think they are related to the folks running the liquor store next door. Entrees run from $8.59-$10.99, Sandwiches $4.59-$4.99, salads come in 2 sizes, small($3.99 – $5.59 for a chicken salad), and large ($5.99 -$7.59). Probably not worth going out of your way for, but if you're in the area and need something quick and cheap, that's not chain fast food, or a taco shop…….

Babylon Cafe
4937 Diane Ave
San Diego, CA 92117

“Noodling Around” – Revisits to Tan Ky Mi Gia and Tan Ky Mi Gia(which used to be or still is Hinh Ky Mi Gia)

February 21, 2008 mmm-yoso Chinese Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants

**** Both these locations have closed

Here are a few updates.

Tan Ky Mi Gia – Mira Mesa

For some reason, the Missus and I were in he mood for some Roast Duck last week, and since we were in the area decided to stop by Tan Ky Mi Gia. It had been a while, and I've always thought they prepared their egg noodles well, it has always been nice and crunchy.

So, of course I had the Roast Duck Egg Noodles($6.05):

On this visit the broth was not as salty as it sometimes is, though it was more "yellow" than usual, I'm thinking from the egg noodles. The noodles were again perfect. I was a bit disappointed at the "roast duck", which is different from the duck I had here before. This one was more like BBQ duck, the skin was tough, as was the meat. The flavor was also very mild.

The Missus had the Roast Duck over rice($6.50):

Same duck, but with rice. The bowl of broth provided was very nice, though.

For some reason the Missus, feeling very hungry, also ordered the combination Banh Cuon($7.45):

As you can tell the Cha Lua(lean defatted pork sausage) was very dry. The butterflied fried shrimp however, was excellent. The Nuoc Mam Cham was on the sweet side, and overall, this was mediocre.

I think I'll stick with the Beef Sate Noodle Soup, unless on future visits I notice that the duck has changed back to how it was previously.

Tan Ky Mi Gia
9330 Mira Mesa Blvd #A
San Diego, CA 92126

My previous post on Tan Ky Mi Gia.

~~Hinh Ky Mi Gia,~~ wait, this place is back to being Tan Ky Mi Gia(El Cajon Boulevard):

As you can tell if you compare to my previous post. The Hinh Ky sign is down, leaving "Tan Ky Mi Gia" as the last sign standing:

Disappointed in the Duck Noodle soup at Tan Ky Mi Gia on Mira Mesa Boulevard, I just needed my fix.

As good as always, though the price has gone up, and is now over 6 bucks. What makes this duck so good are that the dripping poured over the duck.

I don't know what the story is regarding the name, the same folks still work here. In fact, they recognized us, saying; "we haven't seen you in a while." I think I'll be back soon.

Tan Ky Mi Gia
5237 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Thai By Tara

February 14, 2008 mmm-yoso Thai Restaurants

*** Thai by Tara is now Sab-E-Lee. You can find a post here.

There are some locations that seem cursed, locations come and go, changing every year or so. This location right off the corner of Ulric and Linda Vista Road is one of them. A few years back, it was a Banh Mi, and Vietnamese shop called, Linda Vista Food to Go, less than 2 years later, under new Ownership, it became a "Mi" shop called Mi Ngoc So 1. Than, last month ago, "Noodlefan" mentioned a new restaurant in this spot in His comment under the Filiberto’s Linda Vista post. That’ll be 3 restaurant in 3 years! And a Thai Restaurant to boot……. Of course, we made sure to check it out ASAP. Funny thing was, as I was getting ready to post I realized that I could never figure out what the name of this place was….

Ummmm, can you? Finally, on our last visit we asked…..and the Owner, a very funny, energetic Lady, told me "Thai By Tara". So Thai by Tara it is….even though it has a weird ring to it, I mean it sounds almost like a nail or hair place….Nails by Tara, or Hair by Tara….

The tiny restaurant has had a bit of freshening up, but otherwise has not changed much.

What has changed…other than the menu, is the personality of this shop….Tara(I’m guessing the restaurant is her namesake) has a personality like your outgoing, bossy, generous Aunt. Twice while eating, "Tara" brought out some nice dishes, and made sure to show them to us, with an, "Hmmm, looks good, huh? Next time you order this…." To be honest, the first time I looked at the menu, I was a bit disappointed….it looked like the typical "choose your meat, choose your sauce" style of Thai Restaurant. But the prices were quite good, with regular prices starting at $5.95. And when I turned the menu over, I noticed some "house specials" that looked promising…and nothing over $7.95.

There wasn’t much else to do, but to start ordering. And soon enough, a nice tray of condiments made its way to our table. Things were looking up.

We started with the Pad See Ew with Chicken($5.95):

This was borderline terrible…the dish was on the greasy side, the noodles mushy, and overall very under flavored…it needed a bit more soy and garlic.

Luckily, the meal was rescued by the Namtok, which was priced at $7.95 on the menu, but we were charged $5.95….in fact everything we had was $5.95.

This grilled beef salad was quite good. The beef was to our surprise very tender, in fact the Missus kept eating piece after piece….later She told me; "that first piece was so tender, that I thought it was a fluke, so I had another, and it was tender, so I had another….." I enjoyed the crisp "bite" of the onion, combined with the nutty roasted rice powder. Granted, I added some pickled chilies for a bit more heat, as well as a good squeeze of lime.

The Som Tum.

We enjoyed the crisp shredded papaya, the sweetness was spot on, as was the heat. There were 3 large plump, and perfectly cooked shrimp, though I did miss the savory rehydrated and shredded dried shrimp. Overall, not bad, not enough tomato and too much shredded carrot(?), and we’d have enjoyed some long bean.

The Shrimp Fried Rice.

If there’s any reason to return, it would be this…nicely "wokked", great flavors, including lots of garlic…and 6 shrimp! For $5.95!

The Green Curry with Chicken:

Too watery and sweet, weak in the curry department.

Kai Kra Pow:

This minced chicken stir fry was on the sweet side for me, though the Missus enjoyed it. I think it was the nicely fried egg that reeled Her in.

Beef Larb:

This was a nice dish, finally a Larb with enough herbs….the roasted rice powder was a nice touch. The flavor was quite good, though the Larb was a bit on the dry side. The acid test? The Missus said this was much better than the version I make. Hmmm……

Hot Basil with Beef:

Another one of those, choose the meat, choose the sauce dishes. Beef was fairly tender, not enough basil flavor. Mediocre…..

And finally, the Pad Thai with Tofu:

The noodles were perfect in texture, just the right amount of elasticity. We would have preferred fried tofu, it has a better texture, and more flavor. This Pad Thai was very bland……

As you can see, its a mixed bag…but the prices allow you the luxury of really trying out the various dishes. And we found a few that we’d have again.

The restaurant is small, 5 tables crowded into a small space. The Owner is very nice and funny….one day She shared some really nice "Ginger Tea" with us. On one occasion, The Missus and I watched in amusement as a young Hispanic Man ate his noodle soup with wooden chopsticks….that he never broke apart! We were amazed at his ability to feed himself……he used the one piece chopstick as a glorified fork, and twirled the noodles around the chopstick like pasta.

Oh……and Buddha eats really well here!

Which made me think that there’s a lot more than what’s on the menu….next time I want some of that!

Thai By Tara
2405 Ulric St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858)650-6868

Hours – Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
Sat-Sun 10am-9pm

Thanks again for the recommendation Noodlefan!