mmm-yoso!!!

Riding the San Diego Trolley and a Visit to UTC

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog written mostly by Kirk.  But since He and His Missus are on a month-long vacation, Cathy is helping out.  All of our posts are about food, either directly or indirectly.  Today is another indirect post. 

In September, I received the dreaded notice in the mail-Jury Duty.  This notice was not like the others received during Covid-19 times (call a phone number after 5 p.m. starting on a specific Thursday until the following Wednesday or upon being called in to the Court).  No, this notice gave me a date to show up-Downtown.  Since I hadn't been on the Trolley in years, knew it had expanded to University Town Center in November 2021 and was curious after seeing the 'new' extension being built over the years, then seeing some banners advertising a "Ride the Trolley Free Day" happening in a few days, The Mister and I decided to make a day of it to get me re-acclimated to this mode of transportation. We started at the top right corner of this map (Green Line), changed to the Orange Line and after getting downtown, changed again to the Blue Line going North, ending up at the top left of this map. (Going home, we changed from the Blue to the Green Line)
 It was sunny leaving Santee.
 Then it got a bit cloudy when we hit downtown.
 Many people left the Trolley at this stop, since it was closest to the Ballpark and the Padres had a playoff game.
 By the time we were headed on the 'new' line, alongside Interstate 5, there was full fog.
 We stayed on until the last stop, followed signage (and the other people who exited) to the Mall (through the parking lot) and eventually got to the Food Court, which overlooks the Ice Rink.
 After checking all of the Food Court offerings, we decide on a meal and went off to order.  The Mister stopped here, at Craft Pizza.
He ordered a Calzone with ham, sausage and mushrooms; an item going back to our dating days.  This was excellent.
 I went over to Kebab Grill and ordered a 'Lunch Special' advertised behind the cash register to the left in this photo.
 Salad and
 Lentil soup.  Each was really good and made for a filling and complete meal. Then we started walking around the mall. 
   The Mall has remained about the same, with new stores taking the place of old ones.  There were some interesting vending machines.
 Then we saw this.  Had to stop.
 A great selection of cookies, cupcakes, pastries and ice cream as well as hot and cold beverages.  
 We shared a cup of coffee and a Jesuite pastry (Napoleon/flaky pastry filled with an almond custard, topped with almonds) (Triangle shaped  like a Jesuit Priest hat).

Then we headed home, enjoying a different route.  
 It was still overcast changing from the Blue Line to Green Line in Old Town. Passing the new Snapdragon Stadium and back to sunshine by the time we got home.

Jury Duty was at the new Courthouse, which has scaffolding and canopies all around because windows have been mysteriously shattering.  It's very nice; has a good cafeteria. I wasn't called, so expect another notice in the mail next year.  

Sunday Sandwiches - The A la Mexicana From Barrio Donas

I had a bunch of errands to run before our current trip. It was fairly early and I was a bit hungry, so I decided to stop in at Barrio Donas and grab a breakfast torta on the way home. I had actually been waiting for the location in Old Town to open, but it seems to have been delayed, I guess it's the new normal. I understand the National City location hasn't opened yet either. I drove into the lot and noticed it wasn't busy at all; my lucky day.

I waltzed in, placed my order for the A la Mexicana, which is now $8.50, it was $7.50 on my last visit in 2021

The woman working was a hoot and my order was ready in minutes.

The torta did well on the 15 minute drive home.

 I noted in my previous post that there's quite a bit more filling these days and on this visit they went a bit overboard on the chipotle. This was much spicier than I recall, though perhaps my tolerance has waned over the last couple of years? I also noted that they have changed the bread in my last post as well; it's quite yeasty and much lighter than what I used to enjoy. Regardless, the combination of eggs, beans, cheese, salsa performed adequately as my late breakfast on this day. Though perhaps I would have appreciated a bit more beans.

And it did the job. I'm still wondering how things will work out when Barrio Donas opens their other locations.....will the prices change, will the menu remain? We'll see.

Barrio Donas
4714 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117

Where in the world are we?

In case you're wondering where the Missus and I are. We're in the midst of a month long vacation...longer than we've ever taken before. So, of course we started with a couple of nights in our favorite city and started things off with coffee at our favorite "people watching cafe".

The weather was wonderful.

And we got to visit a place we'd had on our "list" for a while.

We had two dinners, the first was of the Michelin, prefix menu type.

The other....well, I think the photo says it all......

We then headed off by train to our next stop. An interesting city of contrasts. Founded in the Middle Ages, there are medieval streets snaking its way through out the old town.

Along with a wonderful main square.

One of the oldest universities in the world was founded here in 1220. And to this day a good amount of the population are students. So, there's also a very modern vibe to the city as well.

And some interesting architecture.

With a very relaxed, genial vibe throughout.

Our meals were quite varied here. Ranging from some pretty good and well-priced ethnic cuisine.

To fine dining.

Speaking of medieval cities. That was out next stop on our journey a city topped by a fortress that dates back to 100BC. 

It was quite interesting.

Sadly, the top 4 restaurants I had on my list were closed. Apparently places close around this time because things slow down a bit. I never came across that in my research. On the positive side; there weren't very many tourists around and we found the locals to be a hoot!

And we obviously didn't starve.

And the region is known for a specific dish that I make at home, so the Missus was eager to see how my cooking matches up.

You couldn't beat the views here.

We then headed to the fourth largest city in this country. The city is known as "La Ville Rose" due to the local pink bricks which form many of the structures.

There's not much in the way of travel guides to this city; which we enjoyed.

Our hotel was located right on the main square where the Christmas Market was going on.

That's the view from our window!

Our location made getting to and from the train station a snap and we did a quick day trip to one of the outlying villages as well.

We had some nice meals, but due to timing and other things (no online reservations) we'll need to return to try some places. That said, we had some good meals.

And had some traditional dishes as well.

The city is not very touristy, at least in terms of Americans, a fact we really enjoyed. The place was quite lively with folks enjoying weekend and evening socializing, something that people here have made into an art form.

It did rain while we were here, but then, the evening after the rain we took an evening stroll, and it was beautiful.

And now, we're at our final destination....well sort of, as we have a short overnight stay planned. We're enjoying things and hope all is well with you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Carnitas Uruapan (again)

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Cathy is writing today, while Kirk and His Missus are busy, elsewhere.

When I first started helping Kirk on this blog, my eighth post as well as this post in 2012, and a mention in 2015 along with a few interspersed mentions of Carnitas Uruapan have been irregularly mentioned.  The nearby location, quality of food and consistency over the years is comforting and writing about this family owned 30+ year institution seems unnecessary.  Being able to make it through Covid-19 is an attestation to the qualities mentioned.  It's time for an update. That's the "Drive Up" window; there is no speaker or place to order before getting to the window.  The entrance is just alongside that wall; it's small.
 Step inside, order, pay and find a seat.  Four booths and  three tables with chairs inside as well as tables outside and under the canopy.  Again, small.  
 During the waning down of Covid-19, we could eat inside, but the meal "meal for two" was served in a in a 'to go' container ($14.50).
 Rice, beans, one pound of carnitas (deep fried pork), warm corn tortillas.  Of course, cilantro, onion, tomatoes and limes are the perfect condiments.
 Now that things are back to "normal", the 'Carnitas for Two" is served on plates and just seems to taste better.
  My current favorite item which satisfies a craving is the Maggi Burrito ($8.50) (carnitas, chicharron, whole beans, guacamole and pico de Gallo).  The crunch of the chicharron with each bite of flavorful shredded pork and everything else (you can taste each ingredient; no one flavor overpowers the other) is so balanced and satisfying.
  Another order when I want something different is the #9, Enchiladas Suizas ($12.50)
 Chicken- lots of shredded chicken- wrapped in corn tortillas topped with Swiss cheese and a creamy green salsa (not the same green salsa as you get to go with a taco or burrito). 

More than a taco shop.
 When ordering, the final item-not to eat here, but 'to go' is always a 1/2 pound of chicharron ($4.50) which is cooked fresh.  Such a treat!

Carnitas Uruapan 4233 Spring Street La Mesa 91941 (858)328-3541 Website Open Daily 9-9

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.    The menu is on the wall, or you can scan a QR code and read the menu on your phone. 

 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.
 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
 Your condiments are brought to the table after ordering. 

Hanaoka (revisit)

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back with another post about food.  Cathy is writing this one while Kirk is relaxing.

I posted about Hanaoka in 2018, before Covid.  We've been re-visiting favorite locally owned places when we are in the area and see they are open.

Since January 6, 1986, Hanaoka has been a favorite Japanese spot in National City.  Located just West of the 805 on Sweetwater Road, the stand alone building has plenty of surrounding parking.

 The interior decor is timeless.
 We decided to share an order of mixed tempura ($7.95).  Not at all oily, the batter was a little hard/crisp and acted as a protectant for the vegetables and shrimp; everything was moist and flavored of itself; not the batter.  The tempura sauce was a perfect blend of soy sauce, dash and mirin-bright and 'crisp' in flavor. 
   Having really enjoyed the Ten Zaru Soba ordered a few months ago at the newly opened Kumi Cafe, I thought ordering it here (on this hot day) would make a nice comparison ($12.95).  Also, chilled buckwheat noodles are now a craving; I have found that my blood sugar does not 'spike' when I eat these noodles, satisfying a craving.  Our waiter mentioned this was 'the most Japanese item on the menu' when I ordered and he 'presented this plate to me with "Meshiagare" ('Bon appetit').  (I did respond with 'itadakimasu').  Wow, the chilled soba was so flavored of buckwheat, having a bite of seaweed with the plain noodles was perfect.  Dipping the noodles in the soy based dipping sauce elevated the flavors and then grabbing some of the green onions and wasabi was a perfect crescendo of flavors.  Truly excellent.  The two tempura battered shrimp were another texture-diversion from everything else, rounding out the meal. 
 The Mister chose to order from the Lunch Special Combo menu.  This is #16, Beef Teriyaki and Gyoza.  All lunch specials come with miso soup, rice and salad.  It was a nice soup (not salty).  The beef was very tender, well marbled and had a good flavor without the (house made) teriyaki sauce.  The gyoza were nice with a thin wrapper and fresh vegetable and pork filling.  The soy based dipping sauce was not the same as the noodle dipping sauce on my plate.  

Always a nice visit with quality food which has withstood the test of time (and Covid-19).

 Hanaoka Japanese Restaurant 1528 Sweetwater Road, Suite C National City 91950 (619) 477-5173 Website Open Mon-Thurs 11-3, 5-9:30 Fri, Sat 11-9:30, Sun 11-9

Chicken Charlie's Table (Rancho Bernardo)

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today.  Kirk and His Missus are on vacation.

 The former Bistro Louisa  closed around the time of the pandemic, eventually re-opening as Chicken Charlie's Table, a second/different named location of Chicken Charlie's Fry BQ (which ended up also closing during the pandemic) and now the Table is the only sit-down restaurant related to the 'infamous' County Fair Chicken Charlie booths. 
 The sleek interior is utilized well, along with outdoor seating.
 There are a few nods to the County Fair painted discretely on the walls.
 The menu is extensive enough, many adult beverages are offered.  There is a daily special listed on Facebook, or you can ask when you are seated.  
 On this day, the special was Fish and Chips ($14) (substitute tots $1). (Regular price of fish and chips is $18.75).
 Good size (4 ounce) pieces of fish, expertly fried in a crisp, light batter so the fish was cooked well but still flaky (not rubbery; a fault I find with some fish and chips orders).  The tots were quite nice, also fried to a nice crunch. 
 As soon as I saw a beet salad ($14.74) on the menu, I knew that was going to be my order.  I added grilled chicken for $5.  Red and yellow beets (plenty), Feta cubes, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber and onion on lettuce.  A very good portion of grilled chicken.  This was a filling meal.  

Saturday and Sunday include breakfast choices (and specials).  Good food, good people.

Chicken Charlie's Table 12457 Rancho Bernardo Road San Diego 92128 (858) 432-1202 Website Closed Monday.  Open Tues-Thurs 11:30-8, Fri 11:30-9, Sat 9-9, Sun 9-8


 

Paris (2022) - Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond

We'd had a pretty busy day. And then I got the notice that our flight time had changed to very early in the morning. I had reservations about getting up at 4am, then managing to get to CDG for our early flight. So, much like what I did on a previous visit, I went and booked a night at the Sheraton in CDG Terminal 2. We'd have dinner and what not, then vacate the apartment, heading to the airport via the RER arriving around 9pm or so.

While having our no-so-good dinner at Pirouette, we noticed another place in the square was doing some major business. I looked up the place; named Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond, in case you don't know, a Bouillon (like the broth) is traditionally a restaurant that serves traditional French meals, for good prices, that serves the working class. We think of it as kind of a "diner", but with definite French touches as most Bouillons have wonderful, traditional decor. In recent years the Bouillon has been making a comeback in Paris. I had been eager to check one out and here was the opportunity. Plus, Pharamond is open from noon to midnight daily; making a very non-Parisian dinner at 530pm a possibility. Plus, we'd beat all the dinner crowds.

We managed to just walk in a snag a table with no problem. We loved the decor of the place.

And lest you think it was only tourists eating that this hour; I present this gentleman.

He strolled in, took a table, knew all the staff, never needed a menu and they just brought him his dinner. There are many apartments in the area, so perhaps he lives in one of them?

We each ordered one entree and one plat.

The Missus started with the Terrine et Poulet (6,9 € - $7.25/US).

This as quite nice; tender, great balanced offal flavors with a hint of sweetness.

I got the Bone Marrow (6,5 € - $6.75/US)

Simply seasoned with sea salt, this was so buttery and beefy. It was heaven with the baguette.

Speaking of the bone marrow; one couple saw a gentleman and his friendly pooch having an apero at one of the outdoor tables. They asked and got permission for this 70 kilo (we asked) sweetheart to get his own "entree".

For Her plat, the Missus ordered the Andouilette Grillee - the grilled sausage (11,5 € - $12/US)

The sausage had a nice "snap" with a herby-garlicky flavor. The jus had just the right amount of salt for our taste and those mashed potatoes were quite  nice.

I got the Beef Tartare (11,9 €, $12.40 US).

  Man, this was much better than I expected. The beef, while perhaps chopped a bit more finely than I like was nicely chilled, with a clean finish, loved the ratio of capers and scallions to beef. But the most surprising thing were the frites, which were crisp outside and creamy inside.

Service was efficient and fast. Man, to think that this dinner with wine was around $45 US....and remember, this is France, where the 15% service fee is included (not added) in the pricing.

We'll definitely check out more Bouillons when we're wanting a more traditional French meal in Paris.

Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond
24 Rue de la Grande Truanderie
75001 Paris, France

After dinner we decided to take a nice stroll past all those familiar places.

Traveling has changed me a bit.....and for some reason France has as well. When walking past the Louvre I saw this Nona struggling to get up on one of the stone photo thingies outside the Louvre.

I'm not sure why; but I decided to "lend my shoulders" to the effort.

Which was a success and we all go a good laugh out of it.

I hope she made it down safely!

There's something about Paris that we love. We can't really put our collective fingers on it. It's vibrant, full of surprises, excellent food, and also there are those other moments.

I'm not sure where I read it; but the city still defines itself as a conglomerate of "villages".....

And a beautiful one at that!

Ah Paris, we can't wait to return!

Thanks for stopping by!