I jumped in the car this morning, and did something I hadn't done in a couple of weeks....... I headed somewhere just to see what was up. This time it was Plaza Boulevard in National City.
What's up with Royal Mandarin:
The main reason I headed down to Plaza was that the Missus was wondering if Royal Mandarin had reopened after fire had razed the restaurant. The last time I dropped by, the sign said February or March, which I thought was rather optimistic. The sign now says late April, but looking through the plate glass window, I'm thinking that might be a bit of wishful thinking as well.
Also in the same strip mall, the Submarina Sandwich shop is being replaced by Lisa's Filipino Cuisine:
I'm guessing it's the same owner as the turo-turo joint of the same name in Otay Lakes?
Maharlika no longer:
As I was driving toward the 805, I noticed that the parking lot to Maharlika was roped off. Sorry about the crooked photo; I took it while driving.
Squinting, and trying to not hit the vehicles in front of me, I noticed a couple of 8 1/2" by 11" sheets of paper, with "For Sale" printed on them taped to the windows. For some reason this made me crack-up...... the restaurant is for sale, with these notes of paper like you'd stick in the windshield of a car for sale on the side of the road. And it's really hard to read from the street......
Hal Mu Ni temporarily closed (I think):
The Missus had arranged to meet some friends for dinner at Hal Mu Ni two weeks ago. But when She arrived the restaurant was being closed down. She was told that there was a gas leak in the kitchen. We've drove by a couple of times, and the place is still closed.
Must be a pretty bad leak.... or perhaps they're just hanging it up until the space where the restaurant was supposed to move next door is finished?
The "Main Street Meatfest" at Village Grill:
**** Village Grill has closed
Some good friends and I had some plans today, but unfortunately the plans fell through. Looking for a "plan B", and knowing that these folks like to eat, I suggested Village Grill in El Cajon. After sharing the "Feast For Two" at Hammurabi Family Restaurant, I wondered if we could do some damage with something similar at Village Grill. So six of us went ahead and ordered the "Feast for Five". I won't bore you with a long and drawn out post, but let me say, we finished about 60% of it. Here are some photos:
And though I still think the bread at Ali Baba is better; I prefer the meat at Village Grill. YY and TammyC seemed to think the Chicken Tekka was the best item.
We all had our theories as to why the "Feast for Five" got the better of us. I think I shouldn't have ordered that plate of Baba Ganouj.... yes, that's it.... it was the Baba Ganouj.....
That Feast for Five at $49.99 is:
5 Skewers Beef Kabob
2 Skewers Tekka Chicken
2 Skewers Tekka Beef
Beef Shawarma (Gus)
Cream Chop (chicken)
Rice, Hummus, Salad, and of course the bread.
Everything lies on a pretty large bed of rice... so maybe that's what it was...... the rice... or perhaps that yogurt drink I had.... Oh well, whatever it may be, it is a pretty large meal. And to think that Tammy C and MrC have to go to a BBQ tonight!!!
Village Grill
550 East Main St
El Cajon, CA 92020
Hope you are having a great weekend! I gotta go take my gout medication now......
The other feast looks more appetizing and colorful then again its all about the taste.
Posted by: bill | Saturday, 03 April 2010 at 08:57 PM
WOW that's a lot of meat... I'm drooooooooling!
Posted by: Judy @ TinkerWithFood | Saturday, 03 April 2010 at 09:21 PM
Hi Bill - Tastewise, it's pretty good.
Hi Judy - It is a lot of meat.....
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 03 April 2010 at 10:43 PM
yipes gout! hope not too serious.
those foods at the end look generous and delicious!
Posted by: kat | Saturday, 03 April 2010 at 10:46 PM
Hi Kat - I'm just joking....... no gout here..... but if you ate enough of this....
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 03 April 2010 at 11:19 PM
The waitress took the bread. I couldn't find good bread anywhere for the baba kanouj. I guess I have to hit Ali Baba soon...
Posted by: Tammy | Sunday, 04 April 2010 at 11:40 AM
hi kirk
awww, i never got a chance to eat at maharlika. :(
not sure if you heard this rumor,but i heard the fire was arson at mandarin....
Posted by: caninecologne | Sunday, 04 April 2010 at 08:36 PM
Hi Tammy - The bread and baba Ganouj there is good.
Hi CC - I didn't hear that rumor. I really didn't enjoy Maharlika that much. If I recall correctly, same owners as the (also) now defunct San Diego Rotisserie.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 05 April 2010 at 07:38 AM
We were wondering about Royal Mandarin too, and called the phone number on Saturday night (thinking of getting wings for an Easter party). The voice mail message said they planned to open late April, but thanks for the first-hand observation of "wishful thinking."
Posted by: Sandy | Monday, 05 April 2010 at 11:13 AM
I hope Hal Mu Ni reopens soon! I haven't even had a chance to check it out yet.
Posted by: kirbie | Monday, 05 April 2010 at 12:42 PM
Hi Sandy - I guess I'm not the only one wondering when they'll reopen, huh?
Hi Kirbie - I understand there's some additional drama going on, which I hope they resolve soon.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 05 April 2010 at 09:34 PM
Royal Mandarin is now open! We got wings for a Father's Day get-together. Yummy!
I'm told that the restaurant looks pretty much the same, but with new carpet, tables, etc.
Posted by: Sandy | Monday, 21 June 2010 at 11:11 AM
Hey sandy - Well, that's some great news! Thanks for letting us know!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 21 June 2010 at 02:33 PM