A bit under the weather this evening, so I'll keep this one short. Last Thursday it was Olga's in Linda Vista, this week it's a small turo-turo shop in Rolando, on Rolando Boulevard a few steps from University.
I actually first ate here in the late 90's when doing some consulting work in San Diego. I last ate here a bit after 2001, just a bit after moving to San Diego. At that time it was known as Leah's Filipino Food and made some decent Filipino eats. I had heard that "Leah" passed on in 2003, but one of Leah's relatives kept the business going.
So here I was almost eight years later, wondering what ever happened to......... An as I made the turn on Rolando Boulevard, was "Ed's Filipino Take-out", looking pretty much like Leah's. Leah's lettering still resides on the window, as if a memorial to Her. I don't recall the place only being open from Tuesday to Friday, but it is now. The interior looks a bit worn, with no tables, well, there's one sort of table that looks like doubles for a desk. Six items on the steam table, and other stuff can be cooked/heated on request. The gentleman (Ed?) was very nice, and when I ordered my two plus rice ($5.14), he asked me if I wanted the Adobo Sauce on my rice. Now that was a nice touch, which just goes to show the heart of this little shop. I chose Picadillo and Pork Adobo as my mains.
I found the Pork Adobo to be dry, a bit tough, and on the bland side.
The Picadillo was pretty good though. Filipino Picadillo is a ground beef and gravy/broth style dish, kind of homey, the stuff like mom used to make.
Not quite up to National City/Chula Vista/Mira Mesa standards, but hey, it was just a bit over five bucks. So in case you just need a "fix", and can't make it to any of those places.............
Ed's Filipino Take-Out Food
4204 Rolando Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 582-0013
Yes, I know it's hard to compare it to stuff like this:
So let's not. I still haven't been able to finish off a plate from Tita's in one sitting........
OMG TITA'S!!! If only I weren't so lazy, I'd drive myself over there more often.
Posted by: Judy Lee | Thursday, 16 July 2009 at 10:28 PM
Hi Judy - Now you're not saying that you can devour an entire plate of stuff from Tita's in one sitting....can you? ;o)
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 16 July 2009 at 10:40 PM
hope you feel better soon, Kirk!
Posted by: kat | Friday, 17 July 2009 at 08:51 AM
hi kirk
cool that you went there - i remember when it was leah's back in the day...it's nice to know there are other Filipino places that aren't in national city.
Posted by: caninecologne | Saturday, 18 July 2009 at 09:59 AM
Hi Kirk, if Tita's is up next week I'm looking very forward to the post!
Posted by: Dennis | Saturday, 18 July 2009 at 08:08 PM
for 5 bucks it does look pretty good!
Posted by: foodhoe | Sunday, 19 July 2009 at 02:50 PM
Hi Kat - Thanks!
Hi CC - Yes, they are still around.
Hi Dennis - Tita's really hasn't changed...except the prices since my post in 2005!
http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2005/09/titas_kitchenet.html
Hi FH - Yes, what can you get for five bucks nowadays....
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 19 July 2009 at 07:44 PM
Hey Kirk,
The nice lady behind the counter at Eddel's in Mira Mesa (by Target and Vinh Hung Supermarket) always asks me if I want sauce on my rice too. I love it!
btw, did you know that the owner of Eddel's is also the owner of Tem's BBQ in the Plaza Sorrento Food Court? That's the one with Amarin Thai, Indian Tandoor and Marketplace Grill. If you've ever been to Tem's, it would be difficult to make that connection randomly.
Posted by: RT | Monday, 20 July 2009 at 06:07 PM
Hi RT - I know 'Del' had another restaurant, but didn't know where. They used to cater stuff out of their home before they were in the restaurant biz. Try the puto, it's quite good.
http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2008/01/eddels---who-yo.html
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 20 July 2009 at 08:05 PM
I just re-read your old Eddel's post, and you know what's funny? I've been there a half dozen times and only on my last occasion did the lady behind the counter start handing out samples to me. I thought that was odd and kind of funny. I'll have to try their puto out next time, thanks for the suggestion. =)
Posted by: RT | Friday, 24 July 2009 at 02:30 PM
Hi RT - Well, now "you're in"! I hope you enjoy the puto.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 24 July 2009 at 03:04 PM