mmm-yoso!!!

"Them Bones" (Xí Quách Suon Bò) and Nuoc Beo From Pho Duyen Mai

A couple of weeks back "FOY" Sage  sent me a Tweet letting me know that Pho Duyen Mai now had an option for "Fatty Broth with Green Onions" for 50 cents extra. Well, that got my attention as I figured it was Nuoc Beo. A lot of places will provide Nuoc Beo on request; but I don't recall seeing it on the menu in San Diego. So, when our latest storm hit; you know 50 mph winds, hail, locusts....water turning to blood (this is 2021 after all)......I decided that a bowl of pho (while I still had a chance), with some extra fatty broth would really hit the spot. I was tempted to do the online ordering; but quickly noticed that they didn't have "Them Bones" as an option online. So, I decided to drive on over on my way back from the office to check on Frankie. The nice woman was working who remembers me, even with some groovy longer hair and a mask on. She quickly told me that they did indeed have Beef Rib Bones available, which I added to my order.

This being yesterday....Monday the 26th, Duyen Mai was still doing takeout only, with only one party at a time allowed inside the front door at the table.

I was my order would be ready in ten minutes and waited in my car....and about eight minutes later, I was waved back in to pick up my order.

It felt quite hefty and I was a bit surprised when I unpacked things.

Man, along with a larger portion of broth like I had last time; there were four full ribs and all the meat. I was also shocked at how much bean sprouts were included as well.

The beef rib meat was much more tender than on previous visits. It came off the bone cleanly and I shredded it into a bowl with my hands.......nice beefy goodness right here.

I actually saved half the meat and a third of the broth with some bean sprouts and had that as a starter for dinner.

I got the #27...you know tendon, tripe, well done meats....especially since I was taking this togo. A little of the nuoc beo went a long way....not very beefy, though quite "lardy" and the scallions adds a bit of seet-pungency to things.

The proteins were in good shape; I especially appreciated the crunchy tripe, with no off flavors with the tender tendon as a foil. The well done flank as toothsome, but not tough and the brisket was nice and beefy.

Like I previously mentioned, there was a ton of very fresh bean sprouts and also a good amount of basil, which was on the precipice of starting to turn color. That lime came in handy as the broth; while decently beefy...something that is quite rare when it comes to pho in San Diego these days; featured something else that is the status quo with SD pho broth; it had that "sweetness", though it wasn't overly salty.

The only thing problematic were the noodles. Since it was packed with all the ingredients on it; I just moved it to a bowl. I should have removed all the toppings; though getting all the scallions and cilantro might be problematic and poured boiling water to separate. While the noodles were nicely prepared.....it still had some nice "strecth" to them; it was quite a task separating them without tearing the noodles to shreds.

Still, I have no complaints about this (1 - 1/2) meal(s). That rib meat was a winnah' and having the optino for Nuoc Beo.....well my old buddy Dennis of a Radiused Corner would be all over that in an instant.

Much thanks to "FOY" Sage for letting me know about Nuoc Beo and getting Duyen Mai back on my radar. It was so nice on a windy, chilly, rainy day.

Pho Duyen Mai
5375 Kearny Villa Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 560-5354
Current Covid-19 Hours:
Wed - Mon 10am - 8pm
Tuesday   9am - 8pm

Travelling With My Tastebuds, Remembering Asahikawa - Shoyu Toroniku To Go from Santouka

Well, it's definitely ramen weather right now.....at least San Diego's version of it.  Since She'd had a rather substantial and late lunch, the Missus asked if we could just go ahead and split a bowl of the toroniku ramen from Santouka, which sounded fine to me as I wasn't super hungry. So, we headed off to the Mitsuwa Food Court and wouldn't you know it, Santouka was out of shio broth, just like when I last did takeout in April. Oh well, the Missus went shopping for snacks while I waited for our large shoyu toroniku.

I gotta say; the broth wasn't as salty as the last time I had this.

And that pork cheek....while not as fatty as on previous visits, was so nicely flavored......welcome to shoyu-porkiness!

But, unfortunately, like my last takeout visit, the noodles just didn't hold up and were mushy, lacking in that nice al dente pull and chew. So I guess it really doesn't travel well. The Missus agreed; I think She know believes that Menya Ultra is better; at least for takeout.

As we were both enjoying ourselves at the dinner table, we had one of those "moments". And we both blurted out; "remember going to Asahikawa and finding the original Santouka?"

Yes, we were in Hokkaido at the end of November in 2015, and went to Asahikawa, the city where the coldest temperature in the history of Japan (-42F) was recorded.....I was in search of Otokoyama Brewery; the Missus, the  flagship location of Santouka, which turned out to be a humble little shop (photo to the right). We both shared our memories and had a couple of laughs; there were actual snow flurries while we were on the train; we then caught a bus to Otokoyama Brewery, me having to ask the driver if the but went to the brewery....the wonderful bus driver made sure to let us know when our stop came up and when got out and headed in the wrong direction stopped and pointed the way for us! We miss Japan so much. Even though we had to cancel our planned trip last fall; these memories make sure that we'll return when we're able.

Here's hoping it's soon.

Funny how a bowl of ramen can transport you to a place 5,000 miles away and what seems a lifetime ago. Well, it's all we have for now; so it'll have to do....for now.....

Santouka Ramen
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd(In the Mitsuwa Marketplace)
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Takeout Hours
Daily 11am - 630pm

We hope everyone had a warm, dry, and safe weekend!

News About Sam and Sushi Yaro

Well, as if things couldn't get bad enough. On Tuesday my good friends sent me a bunch of text messages telling me that Sam, owner of Sushi Yaro had a stroke. Which was really hard to believe since he's fairly young. I don't do Facebook, so I quickly went to the Sushi Yaro's Facebook and found that it was true.

Good lord, 2021 isn't turning out to be so great so far.....

I've known Sam for almost 20 years now, from his time working at Katzra, to when he opened Sammy Sushi, to Sushi Yaro. While not fancy......it's always been what I've envisioned as the neighborhood sushi bar, unpretentious, all are welcome, and regardless if you wanted rolls or sashimi, there was something for you.

I've always harped on the importance of the relationship between the Itamae and the customer and no where else was it so true then at Sushi Yaro. I could always waltz in and just order "some sashimi" and get a nice plate of well cut, fresh fish.....the best that was available. And, I've actually met some "FOYs" at Yaro!

I usually don't do this, but times are different right now. I have been alerted to a GoFundMe to help Sam. Especially with rent to keep him afloat. So, if you've been to Sushi Yaro and enjoyed yourself...….well......

Here's hoping Sam recovers....though having a stroke can't be great for the motor skill you need making sushi....but I'm hoping for the best.

Get well Sam!

Times "BC" (Before Covid) - Remember Brunches? Tribute Pizza, Nate's Garden Grill, and Dan Diegos

The Missus and I aren't real breakfast/brunch kinda folks......especially the pancake/omelette/etc...… A simple croissant will often do. I know, the "most important meal of the day" and all that stuff. Still, breakfast will often make the Missus feel tired, lazy, and sluggish....so there's not much of that going on in our household. However, when we do want to have brunch (and then probably head back home for a nap) we enjoy something that's not quite conventional as you will soon see.

At the end of 2019 and during the beginning of 2020 I was starting to work on a collection of these brunches....and then Covid-19 hit. And who knows when we'll be happily munching and brunching away next? I was just going to delete these photos.....but since these places are still open for takeout; I thought why not just go ahead and do a "COMC" (Clearing Out the Memory Card) kind of post.

So here goes:

Tribute Pizza:

A favorite of the Missus had started serving brunch and we thought we'd try it out. And we really enjoyed it....this was our favorite of the four.

The Missus loved that kale with pesto, that I started making a similar item that's a staple for the Missus's lunches. (Photo on the right)

We really enjoyed this brunch. We haven't been to Tribute since the pandemic started, but will hopefully rectify things soon.

I'm hoping when the pandemic is resolved they start up brunch again.

Tribute Pizza
3077 N Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 450-4505
Takeout Hours:
Mon - Wed 4pm - 8pm
Thurs     4pm - 9pm
Friday    1pm - 9pm
Saturday  12pm - 9pm
Sunday    12pm - 8pm

Nate's Garden Grill:

I've enjoyed my breakfasts at Nate's.

I think I mostly enjoy the vibe and setting.....

The brunches have always been quite rustic and hearty.

And I believe they are doing brunch for takeout on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am - 3pm

Nate's Garden Grill
3120 Euclid Ave
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 546-7700
Takeout Hours:
Wed - Fri  1130am - 8pm
Saturday   9am - 3pm, 4pm - 8pm
Sunday     9am - 3pm
Currently Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Dan Diegos:

And here's one from my 'hood. I hadn't been in a while.

Man, this was soooo much food.....

And that huge bowl of gravy went straight to my arteries.

So, of course the fruit bowl made me feel much better......right?

Really nice folks here. More about diner/pub grub and portions....but every once in a while....

No longer serving brunch, but open for takeout.

Dan Diegos Pub
2415 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Takeout Hours:
Mon - Thurs 330pm - 930pm
Fri - Sun   1pm - 930pm

So there you go....one from the memory card. Who knows when we'll be brunching again. And even though it's never been a priority for us.....I do miss it.

 

 

The Lunch Special To Go from Bonchon (Convoy)

A few weeks back, I was craving some chicken wings; so I thought why not grab some K(orean) F(ried) C(hicken). It was lunch time and I decided to see if and how Bonchon was doing and was happy to see that they still did the lunch special for wings (8 Pieces + side, $10.95) and haven't raised the price, even during the pandemic.

I was quite impressed with the whole online process. I placed my order, got a text message letting me know when it would be ready. Right when I got to the parking lot, I got another text asking me to respond when I arrive. I responded and when I walking into the restaurant, the young man asked me my name and my order was right there. Really efficient.

I initially was just going to order the Soy Garlic Wings; but decided to give the Spicy one more try and got half and half.

I didn't order the Soy Garlic easy on the sauce; but it wasn't too over-sauced and sticky, nicely lacquered, moist, and retained a good crisp crunch without being too hard. Not overly sweet....though I could always go for more garlic, these are definitely my favorite at Bonchon.

I'm kinda giving up on the spicy....unlike on previous visits, the Spicy wings were actually spicy! However, I could not detect the savory, almost beany flavor that was present on past visits. These too retained a good measure of crispy-crunchiness and were moist. They seem to take really good care of the wings here.

I do miss the wing tips though; as it seems those aren't included on the wings anymore. I get great pleasure munching on those. It seems the drumettes are getting a bit larger....I prefer them a bit smaller to enhance the skin to meat ratio, but these were fine.

I got my usual accompaniment to these wings; the pickled radish, which was decent this time around, nice and crisp, though still a bit too sweet for me. It still does a decent job of restoring my palate after all the fry-o-lated goodness.

I was really tempted to do what FOY Junichi recommends when having these wings......go for a cold one; but I was still on the clock. Maybe next time!

The lunch specials are available from 1145am - 245 pm Tuesdays to Friday.

Bonchon
4690 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 836-1287
Current Hours:
Mon - Thurs 1145am - 930pm
Fri - Sat   1145am - 10pm
Sunday      515pm - 930pm

Can you order some takeout from that "Chubby Thai" place? A takeout revisit to Chaba Thai.

There's that magic of being married or together for ages...….you understand the verbal "codex", you develop your own vocabulary. And the Missus does have "Her moments", like Sam Woo the "Killer Whale" and why a Marshall Tucker Band's song is about fried chicken. It doesn't happen every often these days; but every so often.... The recent warmer weather had the Missus wanting some Thai food; one dish in particular; but it seems that Thai Papaya will not reopen....so say goodbye to the Som Tom Khai Kem and what the Missus was craving, the Kai Yiew Ma Pad Kra Pow (Spicy Thousand Year Old Eggs) at Thai Papaya. So the Missus asked if I could order takeout from that "Chubby Thai place". And I knew exactly what She was referring to.

I went ahead and placed my order online, then headed off to pick it up....no muss, no fuss.....making it home in no time at all.

I got the Khao Kluk Kapi (Shrimp Paste Fried Rice) with Honey Pork, which was just as good as on my previous visits.

From the pungent shrimp paste fried rice, to the sweet-salty (and even more tender this time) pork, to the fried egg...which unfortunately, I am not allowed to consume with the Missus present.....She quickly snatches it from the takeout container, this is my favorite dish from Chaba.

Sadly the Spicy Basil Chicken with Century Egg wasn't very good this time around.

The ground chicken as hard and dry....with some really hard pieces (which I liken to biting into a "toenail"). It was also quite salty and lacked balance. There was but two slices of century egg, which hadn't been battered and fried properly......needless to say; the Missus wasn't a happy camper.

FOY "Si O" has recommended the Khao Mok Kai and perhaps I'll try that out sometime in the future.....though I think I'm on my own when ordering from Chaba Thai for now.

Chaba Thai Kitchen
8010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Daily 11am - 9pm

From Winter to Summer in a Week! Revisits to Menya Ultra and The Market At HFS

Well, so far the first couple of weeks of the New Year has been quite hectic....not only work, but sadly, Frankie had a seizure on New Year's Day. He's doing fine now, eating, drinking, pooping....going on walks. He's been blind for a while and has dementia, but hanging in there. We've set-up sort of a "senior living" area for him, with an indoor/outdoor rug, several beds, indoor dog gates, and one of those indoor wifi cams with pet motioned detector, and such. He's doing as well as possible considering the circumstances.

And like I said, we take a couple of walks during each day and I'm surprised that there are places within two blocks of home that I had never discovered before.

And then of course; there's been the weather! From the mid-40's around New Year to record breaking highs in the 80's this past week.

Our eating definitely reflects that.

We started with our usual takeout from Menya, during the first week of January with temps dipping into the high 40's and low 50's; adding in a "ahem" snack for me, some Negipon; which the Missus also enjoyed.

I've gone thru "my drill" with the stay at home kit before; so I won't beat that dead horse. I will say that I used the leftover noodles to make a nice Japanese curry noodles for one of my lunches.

Menya Ultra Ramen
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
858-571-2010
Current Hours:
Mon - Thurs 1030am - 2pm, 4pm - 8pm
Fri - Sun   1030am - 8pm

And then this past week happened....man, I don't recall having the mercury hit the mid-80's where we live in January. So the Missus was wanted Her "fix" from HFS.

I had to work a couple of hours during the weekend anyway and then headed off at around 935, getting to HFS right before 10.....and there were already 3 parties ahead of me in line!

Regardless, things went quite quickly. I hadn't been here since winter hit.....now HFS has two registers and things go a bit faster.

The Missus got Her fix....though one of these days I'll go through "the drill"....as the Missus has Her poke "done" a certain way.

In my opinion, still the closest I can get to "home". Though "FOY" ChrisR, who is from Hilo told me things can be slim pickins' around closing time at HFS......which makes sense; we wouldn't go to our poke places near closing as all you going get is da leftova's….

Anyway, we're hoping you're hanging in there. My true hope is that we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Market At HFS
6491 Weathers Place
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 282-0591
Current Hours:
Daily 10am - 4pm

Take care and be safe!

A winter road trip-Denver to San Diego

mmm-yoso is a food blog.  Todays post is about food but not about any local places and is written by Cathy.  Kirk is really busy.

Long story short: 2020 was a sad year for all of us and for my family personally.  Death certificates were involved and a small consolation was the availability of a vehicle with low mileage (opposed to mine with 230K miles).  My brother started driving and called from Iowa last Tuesday.  I flew into Denver on Wednesday and we began driving West together.  Here are some highlights of the trip, with food. 

The Denver Airport is huge and there are three terminals/train stops before you get to luggage pick up.  I was fascinated.

 We were on our way in the chilly weather, with a view of the Rockies. 
Needing to fuel up and get a snack or two, we stopped into one of the many Convenience Store Truck stops that line our highways and byways, Kum & Go.  Yes.  It was mentioned in the middle of this post. 




 There is more, much, much more offered.
 No, I did not purchase any branded merchandise, not even the washable face mask.  We took the Exit in Golden, Colorado to Historic Central City, Colorado, a former Mining Town  which has the primary road named Casino Parkway.  We stopped here, the Monarch Casino Resort Spa. There's a 24 hour Cafe.



 Shrimp linguine, a bowl of (really good) clam chowder and a side salad with my undecided dressing choices. Great food, pretty town. Still decorated for Christmas.
That night we got to Silt-Rifle, Colorado and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, which had a beautiful view from the room. and a bagged breakfast instead of buffet, because...Covid.  (and yes, it was cold- ). 
Eventually, we got to Utah,  which has Rest Areas with explanations of your view. 

Freeway exits notify you of businesses at that exit.  We saw "Mom's Cafe" and had to. It's about two miles form the exit.


The Special- Hot roast beef w/ mashed potatoes and vegetables.  Soup of the day: Chicken noodle.  We each ordered the same thing.
 Home made noodles.  Dumplings, really.  A wonderful, perfect broth.  Quite a bit of chicken.  A great cup of soup.

 A huge portion of roast beef.  Real mashed potatoes, lovely beefy gravy and more fresh carrots.
 Our nice waitress, Kathryn, brought this warm delight out.  She called it a 'scone' and said it was what Mom's was known for.  It was a sort of Indian Fry Bread.  Still warm, it tasted slightly sweet and was fluffy and nice.  With the honey butter on top, it was a fancy donut! So glad we stopped here. 

Price?  each special was $8.99, beverages $2.29

Mom's Cafe 10 East Main Street Salina, Utah 84654 (435) 529-3921 Website

We continued driving through Utah, a bit of Arizona and then Nevada, which had pretty rest areas.
I dropped my brother at the rental car area at the Las Vegas Airport and checked into the hotel, which had this view from the 9th floor in the morning.
  My dinner was an appetizer plate.   Breakfast the next morning was the corned beef hash.  Driving home to California, I stopped in Baker, but only for photos.  Then I continued on to San Diego.  A winter trip, with food,   and a new (to me) car.

Stay safe!