mmm-yoso!!!

The Missus's Favorite Bun Rieu From Phuong Nga 2

Do you have a hard time convincing your significant other? I mean, the Missus and I have been married for over 20 years; but at times there are still those moments. The Missus and I joke about it all the time; if I say "white" She'll say "black", I will go "low" and She'll go "high"....my "yes", is a definite "no" from Her. I often explain it in terms of the Zodiac; I'm born under a water sign, and She, believe it or not, is born under an "earth" sign.....and what do you get when you mix the two? Well.....water + earth = mud, right?

Anyway, ever since "FOY" Elle recommended the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga 2, I've been trying to get the Missus, who enjoys Bun Rieu to check out Phuong Nga 2 with me. The Missus however, just doesn't believe me. Even though She has stopped getting the Bun Rieu from Mien Trung. A few weeks back, I did see an opening though. The weather was fairly chilly and the Missus wanted some "soup" when She got home from work. I said "I'll figure something out" and went to Phuong Nga right when they opened.

Phuong Nga 2 is currently (as of this past weekend) still only doing take out. There's a steady flow of customers and the phone is constantly ringing. I actually need to go in person to order, since they really don't understand what I'm saying....I need to actually open the menu and point to the Bun Rieu. After that; it's usually a wait of about 15-20 minutes.

On that first visit; I was quite surprised at how heavy my two orders of Bun Rieu were. Imagine seeing this (one order) when I opened things up.

The big mistake on this first visit was to make both orders......the Missus and I can only finish about two-thirds of an order of noodles and about 1 1/3  container of broth. We'll save the rest for a second meal. I put the noodles in a colander and pour some hot water over it to heat and separate. The second container of herbs and veggies is also for that next meal.

This is one entire order of broth; in the largest bowl I have.

For the Missus; it was love at first sip. The broth is on the lighter side, but has decent acidity, a hint of sweetness and savory tones, and is quite good with a touch of the mam tom which comes with each bowl. The noodles are the correct thin bun; which the Missus appreciates....it has also always been perfectly prepared, firm and al dente. We usually split things up these days; the Missus loves the tofu and tomato; I enjoy the cha lua....we both enjoy the light, tender, pork-seafood "cakes", and the dried shrimp. The Missus usually leaves the pork ribs for me.

And look at those sparkling veggies/herbs; the Missus loves the banana blossom and shredded morning glory, which is usually MIA from other versions these days. A few torn leaves of perilla to add a touch do anise flavor and we're ready to go.

This is easily worth the nine bucks it costs these days. After all; it's almost two meals for us, with bun to spare that I use for other dishes.

So far, it's been Bun Rieu every weekend for the last three weeks.....I have a feeling the Missus will insist on having it again this weekend. Perhaps She'll "trust" my recommendations in the future? I'm not going to count on it though.

Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105
Current Hours:
Tues - Sunday 9am - 6pm
Closed on Mondays

And as I always do with posts on Phuong Nga 2; I need to thank "FOY" Elle!

Mister Falafel Revisited

The Missus has been craving falafel like we had in Israel back at the end of 2019. I told Her that I haven't come across anything that is even remotely close....but; perhaps She should try the falafel from Mister Falafel. I thought the Falafel was decent when they had first opened; but seemed to not quite as good on subsequent visits. Still, I really like the older couple that run the place and really wanted to give them some business. So, a few weeks back I went to get some falafel for the Missus on the way home from the office.

I was happy to see that they were still open and from the packages on the table for pick-up; doing decent business.

Instead of going full bore with a falafel sandwich; I decided to get the "munchie"; basically an appetizer size falafel snack. I also got the babaganoush because I'd always thought they did a decetn version of that. Both were priced right at $5.99 and $6.99 respectively....and heck, since I was there, why not get a small garlic paste (99 cents).

Well, as expected, the falafel didn't go over too well with the Missus. It was quite dry and too gritty......to me the perfect falafel has a crisp and mildly gritty experior, that gives way to a creamy interior. This just wasn't up to the task. The Missus did like the tahini though.

It definitely didn't make the Missus forget this.....

Oh man.....these were wonderful; from a little stand a block away from our hotel called Falafel Razon.....no wonder they've been in business since 1963!

The Missus did enjoy the Babaganoush.

She loved the smokiness and told me the texture was exactly how She likes it. She enjoyed the fact that it didn't have not too much tahini or lemon juice, but had a nice earthiness to it.

I of course, always enjoy the garlic paste from Mister Falafel.

And in what has become a classic "two-fer" for us....I'll often stop for the babaganoush (and garlic paste) when I'm on the way home from La Miche.

I'm happy that we've found items we like at Mister Falafel; the folks here are so very nice. 

Mister Falafel
4461 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 490-0170
Current Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday Noon - 7pm

Midweek Meanderings - Da Kine's Landing in La Mesa, Golden Chopsticks Opening in Mira Mesa, Romeo and Julieta Sold, and Panda Country (Clairemont Mesa) Closes

Here are a bunch of updates for this Wednesday.

Da Kine's Reopening in La Mesa:

I gotta hand it to all the wonderful F(riends) O(f) Y(oso) out there, you are all an amazing bunch.

I noted that Da Kine's had cleaned out their Linda Vista location back at the beginning of March.

I instantly received a couple of emails.....when I went to Bay Park Coffee that weekend Noel came out and asked if I knew about Da Kine's moving..... Man, that "coconut wireless" sure works pretty fast, huh? Noel told me he had a feeling that Nelson would move his shop closer to home...he lives in La Mesa.

Move the calendar forward a month and "FOY" DerekR emails me with the screen shot to the right.

Not five minutes later I receive another email; this one from "FOY" Kerri  who sent me an excerpt from Da Kine's Facebook page:

"Aloha Da Kine's Ohana! It's been a month since we've closed. We wanted to share an update with you.
Da Kine's has a new home! Our new location is off University Ave. in La Mesa. We're currently in the process of building the inside of the restaurant. Our expected opening will be mid to late summer 2021."

So, with Derek and Kerri already doing my work for me.....well, it's only right that I go check things out, right?

So, this past weekend I went to pick up some food for the Missus; She had something specific in mind for dinner after She got home from work.

I decided to Google some of those businesses on the sign and I headed off. Once arriving at the strip mall in question, I went ahead and opened up Da Kine's website to see if there were any clues.....and they made it easy for me with the new address.

And based on what I read....it seems that's going to be the new location.

I'm sad that they are leaving the neighborhood; but happy that they will keep the business going.

Call me a stalker or whateva', but I thought folks would be interested.

Awesome work Derek and Kerri!

Romeo and Julieta is sold:

The Missus and I were thinking about various Happy Hours we would like to go to once we're over the pandemic and Romeo and Julieta Wine Bar came to mind. I decided to check out the website and was sad to see that they had just closed, last day of business was April 11th, and the business has been sold.

Sad to see them go; but best wishes on their future endeavors.

4715 Monroe Ave
San Diego, CA 92115

Panda Country (Clairemont) Closes:

I stopped by Mister Falafel for the Missus a couple of weeks back. While waiting for my order I decided to take a stroll. I quickly noticed that the ABCDE Panda Country looked closed, so I walked over.

And sadly, the note on the door confirmed that they have closed....after 41 years. And while, like Troy's Family Restaurant down the street, Panda Country wasn't my cup of tea, it's sad to see a place that has been part of the neighborhood for so long close down. Much like the neighborhood diner, the local Chinese restaurant has always been part of the foundation of a neighborhood.

4455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

And Finally, Yes Golden Chopsticks is Coming to Mira Mesa:

And just to end this post on a high note.

After "FOYs" Elle and Sandy mentioned seeing the sign for "Golden Chopsticks" in the comment section of a recent post, well I had to go check it out. So, I dropped by during lunch yesterday.

And yes, right were I believe Payless Shoes used to be; in the mall that holds Target, Menya Ultra, Sandwich Emporium, and a host of others, was the Golden Chopsticks sign.

And soon enough, Eater San Diego confirmed that this is "that" Golden Chopsticks. So it looks like we'll finally be getting some decent Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings north of the "94". And while I'm solidly in the Royal Mandarin camp; I'll gladly partake of Salt and Pepper Chickens Wings from Golden Chopsticks.

8155 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92126

Thanks for the heads up Elle and Sandy!

And just for old times sake, remember this blast from the past?

Have a great week everyone!

New to the Rotation Part 2 - La Miche Kabobgee

With the weather getting a bit warmer, the Missus has been craving takeout from La Miche. There are items we want that are only served during dinner service and with the limited hours the place is only open for dinner service on Fridays and Saturdays. So, I've been dropping by on just about every Friday or Saturday for the last month or so.

The owner, Nabih and his wife are the nicest folks and we really want them to do well. It's quite depressing to stop by and see the place totally empty....though during my last two visits there was at least one table (since we reached Red Tier) occupied.

We pretty much get the same thing on my visits. But, much like Jesus from De Cabeza, Nabih understands our tastes. He knows the Missus likes spicy, so he recently recommended spicing up the hummus the Missus enjoys. Also, he is not able to get Soujouk at this time, so he asked if we would like to try the Kafta with the spicy tomato sauce he would use with the Soujouk (kasha kish)...he told me he'd make us a half order. So of course I said yes.

Which I got with the always delicious sweet-nutty-sweet-mildy spicy Muhamarah and the savory and mildly funky (in the best way possible) Shaankleesh, made from a wonderfully ripe and complex cheese.

The Spicy Hummus featured fire-roasted peppers which added an additional smoky layer, along with spice and acidity which really went well with the hummus.

The Kafta, meatiness went quite well with the bright-spicy-acidic tomato sauce....this was pretty hefty stuff and was quite filling. It was quite good........in fact we got a full order the next time around.

In many ways La Miche really embodies what makes being a regular customer at a great mom-and-pop restaurant. They recognize their regulars, are so warm and friendly, know their tastes and make spot on recommendations based on that. You are welcomed....with a gentle smile, a wave, and a very mellow and sincere "we're so happy to see you". And I'm always happy to see the folks here. I've noted that Nabih has had some serious health issue in the past and I'm glad he seems to be navigating these crazy times fairly well.

And....yes, I'll probably be back on Friday or Saturday for "our usual".

I'm so ever thankful for places like this; it's part of the reason I started the blog almost 16 years ago.

Take care and be safe everyone; things are progressing, but we're not over this yet!

La Miche Kabobgee
9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-1165
Current Hours:
Mon - Thurs 11am - 3pm
Friday 11am - 730pm
Saturday 4pm - 730pm
Closed on Sunday

New to the Rotation Part 1 - De Cabeza

As the days pass and the seasons change our rotation adjusts as well. This one has been great during the cooler temps and I'm sure that four visits over the last six weekends does indicate a place is currently on our rotation.

   While the Missus has been sticking with the Cabeza en su Jugo which was love at first bite for Her. I've been trying out a couple of other items on the menu......and Jesus, the Manager hasn't steered me wrong.

And yes, just like I mentioned in my previous post; the upside down items are done on purpose.....it's not a mistake. 

On one of my visits; I thought I'd try some tacos; I definitely wanted to try the lengua, Jesus suggested the tripas, and the other really friendly guy suggested the longanisa.

 The lengua really delivered the deep beefy flavor I thought it would. It was melt-in-your-mouth tender and moist.

But, man...it was the tripas that I really loved.....the toothsome exterior, tender interior, and mild offal flavor. It was delici-yoso!!! The cilantro and onions added pungency and the mildly spicy salsa didn't interfere with the beefiness of these tacos.

The longanisa was fine if not very special. The tortillas, heated on the griddle while I waited held up well (no cracks or tears) and added the deep "corniness" to the tres tacos. I really enjoyed these tacos; the best I'd had since our last visit to CDMX.

As I left with the Missus's soup and my tacos, Jesus told me "try the alambres next time". Which is exactly what I did.

I selected lengua and tripas (of course) for my alambres. My goodness, the combination of textures, the meats had been caramelized on the comal giving it some crispness; loved the "chlorophyllic " and mild bitterness of the bell peppers and the griddled onions added a mild pungent-sweetness. The light amount of cheese kept things in place and of course bacon......yes, bacon....say no more! I'm going to have this again for sure.

So, even though the Missus is currently obsessed with the Cabeza en su Jugo.....

As the weather turns warmer; I'm sure I'll get Her to switch to the Alambres.

As with all my visits; Jesus is so warm and friendly.....and understands our tastes and preferences. And we really appreciate it!

De Cabeza
1043 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 349-2505
Hours:
Daily 8am - 8pm

Chirashi-zushi To Go From Kokoro

A few weeks back I was thinking how hard the pandemic has been on those mom-and-pop places that I'd visit on occasion. You know, places not in the standard rotation, but one's I enjoy for a nice lunch or dinner and Kokoro came to mind. Akio-san and his wife are getting on in years, which had me wondering how things were going for them. I went ahead and checked their website and along with outdoor lunches and dinners, they were doing takeout. It had been a while since my last visit and I'm sure that the late Ed from Yuma, who loved Kokoro would be wanting me to check in and see how things were going. Kokoro is quite "old school" and though they have their lunch and dinner takeout menus on the website; you'll still have to call in your order. Also, please note that even if you call in your order at 1030, the place doesn't really open up until 1130.

Of all the lunch items I'd had at Kokoro, I had enjoyed the Chirashi the most; so I decided to go with that.

I arrived at around 1135 tp pick up my lunch. The place had blacked out the doors and windows and for all the world looked closed. Looking closer, I noticed the door was ajar, so I walked on in.

And wouldn't you know it; my lunch was ready and waiting for me....such efficiency.

Once back at the office, I unpacked my lunch eagerly.....I really wanted to see how different this was from the very good chirashi I'd had for lunch before. Especially since the lack of business can mean supply chain issues and limits flexibility with stock, as in you'll probably only get the "usual suspects"....especially in the case of fresh seafood for sushi restaurants.

The one thing that I enjoyed right off hand was the miso soup. It wasn't watered down and was full of flavor.

The selection of fish was decent; though the shiromi (whitefish) that I'd had before in the chirashi was not present this time around. The anago was quite good, light, mildly sweet, I wish there was more of it. The maguro was of good quality, no "sugi" (connective tissue), moist and tender. The tako tender as well....the saba did well with bites of ginger before and after to help prep, then cleanse the palate of the richness. The hamachi was decently fatty.

 The salmon was fine, the shrimp and kanpachi were my least favorite items both were tough and the kanpachi had a bit more fishiness to it then I enjoy.

The rice was moist and fluffy. And as expected based on previous visits, the sushi meshi here is quite bracing at times; they do like their vinegar.

I like the tamago as it was light and not too sweet; a perfect way for me to end my meal.

It was good to know that Kokoro is still in business and I did enjoy my lunch; I'll definitely be back once we're in a better position in terms of dining in. I'm sure Ed from Yuma would be happy to know that Kokoro is still in business.

Kokoro Restaurant
3298 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 565-4113

Breakfasts and Brunch Sandwiches from Bay Park Coffee - and the "Uncle Kirk" Phenomenon

While I'm not the biggest fan of working from home (more on that in a future post); during the times that the Missus is working days it does allow me to watch Frankie. It also gives me an opportunity to support my favorite neighborhood places. Heading to the office around 5am had become quite a chore as the only places open for a cup o' joe during that time is the local Starbucks and 7/11....now if this was 7/11 in Japan that would be a different story. But, if I'm working from home, I can go ahead and grab some coffee from one of the various neighborhood places, Clairemont Coffee opens at 6 (I really need to do a post one of these days), Birdrock, which I save for the coffee snob, ummmm, the Missus and usually deliver Her pour over to work on weekends. And then there's Bay Park Coffee, which opens at 730 Mon- Sat and at 8 on Sundays.....which was kind of a bummer before; but these days; with so many people working from home....perhaps not so much.

And BPC has done a nice job with the outdoor set-up; which transitions to al fresco dining for Poseidon Project at night.

On a nice San Diego day, I'll see folks on their laptops doing work.....just like they used to do indoors before in the parklet.

My usual, as I noted before is the cold brew......I'll often drop by between meetings/calls for a "pick me up" and sometimes grab something simple to eat.

And of course, like I mentioned in a earlier post, there's "Bruddah Noel" who I've come to know.......he even introduced me to his wife who is from Japan. And all the wonderfully friendly and smiling faces of the folks who work there.

I will also sometimes avail myself of an item from the "kitchen" menu; though those items aren't served until after 8am. The items on the menu comes in handy when I have meetings around lunch and need to grab something to eat as BPC is a tad over five minutes away for me.

So here's a rundown of items I've tried during the pandemic.

I mentioned in my earlier post of not being a fan of the croissants; which are from Bread and Cie as it lacks the full butter-light saltiness and is more crisp than flakey....you know, the things we like in a croissant. Still, I have tried some of the items again. And even though the eggs and cheese will help camouflage the deficiencies, it's still leaves something to be desired in my opinion.

And my verdict stands....perhaps folks will like these, it's just not for me.

BPC also now offers "sides" of egg, potatoes, and cheese......so you can get a fairly filling breakfast; of say...avocado toast (BPC loves their avocados) with a side of scrambled eggs.

You may find the item I enjoy the most (to date) from BPC kind of strange......it's the Veggie Bagel Sandwich. I will get the plain bagel; which is from Nomad Donuts....I gotta check out their brick and mortar shop one of these days.

The bagel has a light heft to it; mild yeastiness, a slight saltiness, a mild hint of sweet; but it's just the texture I enjoy with the greens, pickled onions.......light acidity from the tomatoes, creaminess from the avocado and they usually have a nice restrained hand with the cream cheese.

I have tried other versions of the bagel sandwiches; Bruddah Noel had me try his "favorite".......

Which had ham, cheese, a huge portion of egg, pesto, and was just way too much......

I also tried the Lox version.

 

Which was not bad, though not something I'd have on a regular basis.

And then there's the "Uncle Kirk" thing. Noel started calling me "Uncle Kirk" early on....which cracks me up, it's a well known term of endearment back home..... though my good friends, who are quite a bit younger than me (and not from Hawaii) started calling me that years ago; so it doesn't bother me at all. Though I'm not sure what the motivating factor is? Perhaps I'm like the crazy uncle everyone needs in their lives? Of course, these same people would not dare call the Missus "Auntie"......

So, now even a couple of folks at BPC call me that as well.....and once in a while, I'll even get a "little surprise" like on the cup of cold brew to the right.

Once as Noel called out "Uncle Kirk" when my cold brew was ready, one of the women waiting for her order asked me; "is he your nephew?" To which I answered in a stage whisper, "ssshhh, he's illegitimate and twice removed....."

Well, if you'll indulge me one last story......my good friend "XJ" got married a couple of years back and requested that "Uncle Kirk" officiate their wedding. I was at first hesitant......quite terrified; but there was no way I could turn down such an honor. And things did turn out ok.

Though I've never told them; it's one of the high points of my life as I felt so privileged to participate.

Anyway, a couple of weeks later, I'm walking thru the parking lot at 99 Ranch Market when I hear, "Hi Uncle Kirk!!!!" and see a middle aged couple waving to me from an automobile. At first I didn't recognize the couple....then as I approached the vehicle...well, it was the Groom's Parents.......I had been introduced to them as "Uncle Kirk" and that's the way they knew me.

Life, ain't it amazing?

Bay Park Coffee
4130 Napier St
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 275-4000
Current Hours:
Mon - Sat 730am - 2pm
Sunday 8am - 2pm
Sandwiches served:
Mon - Thurs 8am - 1130am
Fri - Sun 8am - 1pm

An Update on Sam and Sushi Yaro.......and I Dine In For the First Time in Nearly 400 Days

If you follow our little blog; you'll know that back in January, Sam, owner and Itamae of Sushi Yaro suffered a stroke. Of course my good friends kept me appraised of how Sam was doing, when he was discharged, when the restaurant was reopening, and such. I tried not to bother Sam much since he obviously had a lot going on....though the Medical Professional in the family always had a battery of questions for Sam. Once Sushi Yaro was reopened, I still waited......mainly because I wasn't ready to dine outdoors yet.....though finally, two months after I'd received my second shot, I decided I needed to see how Sam was doing and show some support. The Missus was working a night shift, so I decided to head on over to Engineer Road, and dine al fresco at the outdoor dining area I'd seen set-up in the parking lot. Except when I arrived, shortly before opening time......I really didn't want to be around too many people, this is what I saw.

The outdoor dining area for Sushi Yaro was gone! And the reason for that soon became clear. So, now there was a decision to make....yes, we're in the "Red Tier" which means indoor dining can operate at 25% capacity, yes I've had both vaccines, yes the restaurant was just opening so there were no other customers in the place, and yes, Sam called out my name when he saw me and waved me over to the sushi bar. And so it came to pass, 380 days since I last dined indoors I decided to have dinner at Sushi Yaro. After all, I really wanted to support Sam and see how he was doing.

The reason that the outdoor area is gone, besides San Diego being in the Red Tier is that Sam is running a one man show. And with all residual effects of the stroke, well, he just isn't able to handle too many customers. In fact, he told me about 8 people max.

As for what I ordered....well, Sam knows me, and after a short wait....he's moving pretty well considering, but there's obviously some motor deficits and such.....he had my dinner for me.

I'm not really going to go into the food this time around, I'll do that in a future post....except to say, it did hit the spot. Especially the sashimi which was perfect on a day when temps were hitting the low 80's....so much for spring, eh?

We spent most of the time talking about how things are going for Sam...residual effects and accommodations he's had to make after the stroke, his family and such. After all, I've known Sam for 20 years.

Soon enough, a couple of other couples arrived, when Sam hits his max, he'll ask folks if they want to do takeout and return a bit later. It's probably a good idea to make reservations if you plan on arriving after 530. There are also times when Sam's therapy and such runs late, or if he's really tired that he'll close early, so definitely, call.

Honestly, it was kind of tough seeing Sam run back and forth to the kitchen......to deep fry rolls for folks, to get ingredients, to get customers their drinks (I decided to forgo my usual Sapporo on this visit). But Sam seems to be handling it fairly well....he's a bit slower than before, but seems to be making progress, and I'm happy for that.

Soon enough there were eight folks in the restaurant; it was making me a bit uncomfortable....oh my how Covid has changed us. It was time for me to leave. I was glad to see Sam and said I'll be back soon.

As I left I told him, "take care of yourself; I'll like to be seeing you still in good health 20 years from now."

Sushi Yaro
7905 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 560-1782