mmm-yoso!!!

Guanajuato (2022) - Breakfast at Santo Café

On our second full day in Guanajuato, we stretched our boundaries a bit and ended up going from the Southeast side of the city to the Northwest side.

While doing my research on Guanajuato, I noticed several posts on a charming looking café with seating on a bridge overlooking a cobbled street named Santo Café.  We had enjoyed walking in this wonderful city and even though it was a bit of "a truck" to the restaurant, we decided to head on over to Santo Café.

It was a pleasant walk, past places that were now familiar to us, Jardin de la Union, Teatro Juárez, and Templo de San Francisco.

We came across the street where Santo Café was located and walked up the stairs and crossed the bridge to the restaurant. It was fairly early and none of the three tables located on the bridge were taken.

We placed our order and took one of the tables on the bridge. The Missus got a Cortado ($32/MX - $1.55/US) and I got an Americano ($30/MX - $1.50/US) which were decent.

We got the Chilaquiles Verdes agrega dos Huevos ($117/MX - $5.80/US) to share, which ended up being more than enough for the Missus and I.

The eggs were perfectly done, crisp edges, runny yolk. The chips maintained a good crispness, the queso wasn't intrusive, and the Missus loved the tangy, mildly spicy green sauce. The beans were creamy and earthy. A decent breakfast that would hold us until dinner.

And for some reason, we enjoyed the view. A few folks even waved at us as they passed!

Santo Cafe
Del Campanero 4
Zona Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, Mexico

From here, we decided to head on out to of all places a cemetery. One of the most visited placed in Guanajuato is the Museo de las Momias, the mummy museum. The Missus wasn't interested in visiting, though during our walking tour, Susana mentioned that the cemetery where the mummies were found was actually next door to the museum. We decided to get some steps in and visit the cemetery.

So we headed on out.

One interesting tidbit about Guanajuato. Miguel Cervantes is quite popular here and Don Quixote even more so.

There's even the La Casa del Quijote, the Don Quixote Museum.

 There's a Cervantes Festival in Guanajuato. And the Wikipedia page on the festival also mentions some of the background of why Cervantes is such a big part of the city.

Walking past Teatro Juárez and Iglesia de San Diego during the day provides a different view of things. At night, this is a bustling, lively area of the city and it's easy to miss things.

Like the two statues below. The one on the left is called "La Giganta". The one on the right is of a Rondalla Singer.

From the center of town we made our way Northwest, past Mercado Hidalgo, then up the one of the hills that surround the town. Right past the Mummy Museum is Panteón Municipal Santa Paula, the cemetery.

Which was quite large.....

It was in this cemetery that the mummies for the museum were found. Apparently, there was a "burial tax" that had to be paid for perpetual burial. When taxes were not paid, the bodies were disinterred and stored in a nearby building. The environment of Guanajuato is conducive to mummification.

While walking amongst the graves we noticed this pooch.....

Who seemed to be on a mission. So we followed.....

Apparently, this pup has a favorite spot in the cemetery where it just went and took a nap.

All in all, an interesting visit.

From here we headed back into town.

Down the colorful streets of Guanajuato.

It was time for a nice siesta. So we could enjoy our last afternoon and evening in this colorful city.

Con Pane and Garden Coffee

On one of our recent trips, to a city well known for their cuisine, one of the Missus's favorite things She consumed, was, well....avocado toast? In fact, She had it three times during our visit! To be perfectly honest, the shop baked their own sourdough and the avo-toast was really good.

That sourdough bread was just perfect; sliced thin, great flavor, super texture....well, of course when got back home, the Missus wanted...avocado toast. Though finding the right bread was going to be an issue. After trying a couple of places, I ended up going back to Con Pane, which I've mentioned several times in comments and posts, but had never done a post on the place. It used to be a favorite for a passable baguette, but after the bakery reopened under the ownership of the Cohn Group, well the baguettes weren't up to what we were used to. I dropped by and picked up a sourdough loaf and had it sliced thin...and guess what, while it's still a bit on the "San Diego chewy bread" side, Con Pane has now returned as a regular stop for us. As in weekly for the last month.

    Con Pane has two distinct lines; one for ordering food and café items. The other for bread and pastry only. As you can tell, I go first thing in the morning when they open. I'll often park all the way down by Trader Joe's and get a couple of extra steps in, while shopping at both places.

The bread line usually goes fast.

Like I said; I get the sourdough boule, sliced thin. 

And I'm usually in and out in a few minutes.

    While still a bit on the chewy side, when toasted it achieves a nice crispness, with good sour-tangy tones which doesn't overwhelm the yeastiness of the bread.

The Missus enjoys a good amount of avocado, with a squeeze of lemon, topped with cilantro micro-greens. I like making panini's and pressed sandwiches with salumi, cheese, and tomato.

So, who knows, maybe I'll try the baguette again one of these days.

Con Pane Rustic Breads & Café
2750 Dewey Rd.
San Diego, CA 92106
Hours:
Mon - Wed 8am - 3pm
Thurs - Sun 8am - 5pm

At the beginning of the month, I ran into "Bruddah Noel", who told me that he was now working at Garden Coffee in Old Town. I had never heard of the place and Noel gave me instructions on how to find it. It's was supposedly close to Tuetano Taqueria and the Congress Cafe. I looked at the address on Congress street, but don't recall seeing a coffee shop. After parking my car, I saw the sign.

So, I followed the signs.....

And came to a closed gate.....

So I made my way to Congress Street to the gate I thought was closed....it wasn't......duh....

And walked down into a cute little area.....

And the little shop was doing some good business....

   There were a couple of folks working on their laptops....when things slowed down a bit I got a chance to chat with Noel. I got my cold brew....Noel knows exactly how I take it.

It's a cute little place and it seems there's quite a few regular customers. I guess the rather discreet location means you have to want to find it....

They also have plants for sale as well.

   I've been back a couple of time and all the folks working are friendly. One of Noel's coworkers went to Sacred Hearts Academy "back home"...in my old neighborhood. Nice peaceful vibe in Old Town, I can see why folks like having a cup of coffee, maybe a pastry, and working at their laptops for a while here.

Currently, Garden Coffee is only open from 9am to 3pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. So, for me, with four coffee shops in the area that I frequent Garden Coffee will be a destination for a "late" cup.

I hope Noel does well! 

Garden Coffee
2611 Congress St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours:
Tues - Sat 9am - 3pm

Thai Thai/Oishii (Santee)

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Cathy is writing today.  Kirk and His Missus are having a wonderful time on vacation.  

I've written about Oishii three times, the latest was in 2011.  Back then, it was only one of two Thai restaurants in Santee and the two sided menu had more Japanese choices than Thai.  Now Santee has five Thai restaurants.  Anyhow, at some point during the Covid-19 slowdown, the "Japanese" menu/Oishii/sushi bar disappeared and Thai Thai (there's another location in Fallbrook) became the name of the restaurant with the menu being only Thai.  A few months ago, the original sushi chef, Mike, returned and so did the sushi bar and the name.

 The interior had undergone changes.
 The menu is pretty extensive and has many ‘authentic’ choices- not “dumbed down”. 
 There is a Lunch Special menu available Tues-Friday.  Specials include 'vegetarian soup' -yes, miso- as well as 'salad', vegetarian egg roll and fried wonton.
  On this day, yellow curry with chicken ($11.95) was The Mister's choice.  The curries here are very good- there are eight types.  Yellow curry is made with potatoes, carrot and onion and coconut milk.  A filling, flavorful meal. 
 During the pandemic, I would order 'to go' from the appetizer menu.  #13, "Crispy Rice Salad" (Nam Kat Tod) has become a favorite.  The spicy lime sauce compliments the red and green onion, dry chili flakes, fresh ginger, mint, cilantro and cashews.
 All of that is mixed with sour fermented pork (and thinly sliced cartilage) mixed with the crispy rice and toasted rice flour.  Very satisfying, especially during our heat wave.
 Here is the sushi bar, in its new location.  The menu is only sushi; no other Japanese choices.  

Thai Thai/Oishii 10251 Mast Blvd Santee, CA 92071 (619) 596-4892 Website Closed Monday, Open Sues-Sun 11-9

Kaelin's- Eating inside the market

mmm-yoso!!! continues being blogged by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus continue to enjoy vacationing.  

I wrote about Kaelin's Mi Pueblo  back in 2011 and it still is one of our 'regular' stops.  As always, The Mister and I try to have a small meal before grocery shopping so as not to be tempted to purchase 'impulse' items.   The name of the market has changed slightly, the interior is still kept organized and clean.  
 As you walk in, the first kitchen/menu board/ refrigerated grab and go to your right has a clay tannour oven with fresh, hot flatbreads on the counter (El Cajon has the second largest Iraqi community in the USA).   Actually, this Middle Eastern kitchen is shared with the Mexican kitchen- there is a spit of rotating shawarma next to the spit of rotating al pastor.  You order Middle Eastern foods here, are given price stickers and pay at the cash registers while your food is being prepared. The Taqueria/Mexican menu board and cash register is a few feet more into the store, next to the seating area.  We usually purchase an aqua fresca here.
 On this visit, we chose a package of hummus ($4.99).  Fresh made that morning, great flavors, plenty left over to take home.

   We ordered two beef kababs ($2 each) and I watched as the ground beef, mixed with spices, was placed on long, flat kabab skewers and began cooking on the grill.  Made to order.  The meat was served with a roasted tomato half and a mix of chopped onion and parsley. 
 Here is the loaf of hot tannour bread ($2.25) which was placed in a paper bag after being removed straight from the side of the clay oven. Crisp, flavorful browned bubbles with soft, easy to tear middles.  Great flavor.  It went well with both the hummus and the kabab meat.  

A nice light meal with leftovers and beverage for less than $15.

Kaelin's  Market 1435 East Main Street El Cajon Ca 92021 (619)440-1423 Market is open daily 7a.m.-10 p.m.  Kitchen opens 10:30 a.m. 

Kaelin's  Market 1435 East Main Street El Cajon Ca 92021 (619)440-1423 Market is open daily 7a.m.-10 p.m.  Kitchen opens 10:30 a.m. 

Adalynes Chicken Shack (La Mesa)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog which has been around since 2005.  Kirk usually writes the posts, but right now, He and His Missus are vacationing and Cathy is writing. 

Back in February, I saw this building going up on University just East of the Kroc Salvation Army Center in La Mesa. A mental note was made and misplaced.  As fate would have it, The Mister and I were driving by while looking for lunch.  Adalynes opened in March 2022.
 Walk in and step to the right; seating for 40 (along with four big screen televisions) is to the left.  Order and pay- a menu board is above and the open kitchen behind it is quite large.   The "Fish Market" display case was not filled but the price list was available and if you made a purchase and wanted your fish fried, it is an additional $2 per pound.  
 A simple menu.
 An appetizer order of calamari ($9.99) included tentacles, not all rings.  We asked for the batter to be 'mild' since there were several selections of spicy side dips.  The calamari was tender, the batter was a proper fry; light and crisp.  This is a large serving.
 We decided to try the Combo meal ($15.99) of three pieces of chicken strips and six shrimp.  We chose our one side to be sweet potato.  Again, we asked for no spice in the batter.  The shrimp were plump and large, had a very light coating and were nicely fried.  The sweet potato side came in the form of 'tots' and were really good.   The chicken-three large pieces of breast meat with just a light coating which was thin, crisped and tasty. 
 The chicken was not dry at all. 
 These four sauces were brought out with our food (cocktail sauce, "special" sauce (it has jalapeño juice and bits of jalapeño), a BBQ based sauce and a chipotle/smoky sauce.  There's a counter by the tables which has condiment pumps of hot sauce, ranch and catsup.  

A nice place that is doing a steady business serving quality fried foods. 

Adalynes Chicken Shack 6903 University Ave La Mesa 91942 (619) 232-5963 Open Mon-Sat 11-9, Closed Sunday

Grecian Cafe (again)

mmm-yoso!!! continues to be written by Cathy while Kirk and His Missus continue to enjoy their well earned vacation.

I wrote about Grecian Cafe in January 2019, without mentioning the reason we first stopped here was because of our regular bread run just down the street at Frank's Bakery.  The update to that post is the the corner anchor restaurant here is no longer Pizza Hut Round Table Pizza, but is Pho and Grill International. The other update is that this family owned and run restaurant has been here for more than 30 years.
 Walk in, order and pay.  There is a menu board above the ordering space in the wall.  Your food is brought out by one of the family members.  

 As always, we order onion rings ($4.49).  Thick slices of sweet onions, sweet batter, properly crisp fried and not greasy.  This is served with ranch dressing.
   A small Greek chicken salad ($9.49) holds a lot of tasty, moist roasted chicken and comes with pita bread and tzatziki.  The salad part is the same size as the side salad which comes with the meal below and includes cucumber, tomato and onion and a red wine vinegar based dressing.
   The Moussaka and Gyros combination plate ($15.99) was ordered on this day...because we wanted leftovers.  Plenty of fluffy rice with some peas and carrots topped with slices of gyros and, of course, the Moussaka- the bottom layer is baked potato, then a nice layer of eggplant, the sweet (cinnamon and oregano) spiced ground meat filling topped with a layer of thick béchamel and covered in a subtle seasoned (garlic, thyme, parsley, basil) tomato sauce. 

Another long time family owned, quality restaurant which survived Covid-19. 

Grecian Cafe 9676 Campo Road Spring Valley 91977 (619) 464-0385 Open Mon-Sat 11-8, Sun 1-7 

 You can see the Santa Sophia Roman Catholic Church tower just East out the side window of the restaurant.  The Greek title, "Santa Sophia" (Holy Wisdom) is popular in Greek Orthodox churches and is rare for Catholic churches.

Meet Fresh- Treats (Mira Mesa)

mmm-yoso!!! welcomes you back.  Once again, Cathy is writing because, once again, Kirk and His Missus are vacationing.

There are two locations of Meet Fresh, a Taiwanese dessert chain,  in San Diego.  One is in the HMart parking lot in Mira Mesa.  The other is in the strip mall on the SouthEast corner of Clairmont Mesa at the 805 (where there was a Souplantation and still has Niban, a McDonalds and Starbucks).  The menus are the same, the air conditioning is wonderful, the hours are different.  Each location is equidistant from home; we've been to both.
 Walk in, order and pay.  There is a menu above the register and another full menu on the wall.  There's also a laminated one at the register.
 Soon your number is called and/or displayed when your order is ready. 

 Q-mochi set with almond pudding and red beans ($6.75) was presented in this cute dessert bento box/serving tray with tiny cutlery.  The two types of mochi were slightly different in flavor, topped with a light Carmel sauce and toasted coconut.  The sweet red beans were (and always are) a tasty treat and the almond pudding, when tasted before everything else, had an excellent flavor; the texture remained perfect and never got watery. 

 This was a hot fresh milk tea with boba ($6.25)which was ordered out of curiosity.  I liked it. This is a medium shaved ice ($11.75) alongside an iced lemon black tea ($4.50)
 There are a few choices of shaved ices along with three sizes (the prices are $9.75, $10.75 and $11.75).  Topping combinations are varied and all sound good.  I pointed at one on the laminated menu at the register.  The cylinder shaped Q-mochi, potato balls (sweet potato/taro), jelly and mini mochi balls surrounding the ice cream topped fluffy milk soaked shaved ice made each bite unique.  We ended up taking a lot home.

A nice place for a relaxing treat. 

Meet Fresh 9420 G Mira Mesa Blvd 92126 (619) 877-8818 open daily noon-10

7051 Clairmont Mesa Blvd #303 San Diego 92111(858) 740-3789 Open 4-10 Thurs-Sun   Website

Pancho's Mexican Restaurant (El Cajon) (Again)

Here you are, reading mmm-yoso!!!  This is a "Cathy" post; Kirk and His Missus are busy enjoying vacation time.

I wrote about this local restaurant in December 2019, when we didn't know what was going to hit us. 
 This family owned (since 2004) restaurant has survived the Covid-19 ups and downs and is still going strong. 

 The Monday-Friday Lunch menu is simple and offers a good variety. 
 I always order a cup of albondigas ($4.25) from the regular menu and enjoy the traditional meatball soup with fresh, still slightly crisp vegetables (zucchini, chayote, tomato, onion), flavorful broth and the fresh herbs (there is oregano in the meatballs and cilantro in the soup).  A good start.
   The enchilada plate comes with a choice of shredded beef, shredded chicken, cheese or ground beef filling.  This is the ground beef-which is really a picadillo- there is onion, bell pepper, garlic and tomato mixed with the ground beef.  The from-scratch enchilada sauce and melted cheese round out the flavors of this plate.  The Tostada Compuesta is a fried flour tortilla topped with refried beans, a choice of meats (this is shredded chicken, photographed after eating half the serving) (shredded beef, ground beef and carnitas are also meat choices) and is topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese and sliced avocado; a wonderful meal. 

Pancho's Mexican Restaurant 2257 Fletcher Parkway El Cajon 92020  Website (619) 460-4202  Open Mon-Th 11:30-8, Fri-Sat 11:30-9, Sun 10-8