mmm-yoso!!!

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant (Kensington)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is continuing with daily posts while Kirk is recovering, Ed(from Yuma) is recuperating and Cathy is recalling another meal.

Ponce's, another family owned San Diego institution, has been involved in the Kensington Community of San Diego since 1969.  Located at the Northeast corner of Adams Avenue at the 15, it's difficult to miss.
The interior is calming, filled with 'old Mexico' decor and reminiscent of a mini museum, preserving culture.  Ponce's is known for its extensive selection of old fashioned margaritas, cocktails and tequila selection in general.Part of each tablescape's condiment selection is a small six page leather bound book.  Popular for its exponential 'Turn any tequila into a margarita' as well as a 'Turn any beer into a Michelada' options, the bar area here is always busy.  Alas this was lunchtime for us. When we were ordering, The Mister was having a hard time deciding a 'third item', vacillating between a crispy quesedilla, the chile con queso appetizers or trying a chile relleno side.  Our waitress was helpful (stating she had just had a chile relleno and it was so good) and knowing we had never had the chile con queso, brought is a small serving we could try with our complimentary chips and (really good, fresh, chile based) salsa.  Nice way to get us to crave chile con queso until the next visit. The Mister decided on a half Ensalada Suprema ($5.95) and added carne asada ($1.95).  The resulting salad  of  Romaine, bell peppers, pinto beans, tomato, avocado, Cotija cheese and tortilla strips with tender, flavorful carne asada was quite large enough for one.  The house dressing, served on the side was a bit too sweet for my taste; I mixed it with salsa, which was great. 

We also shared the freshly made chile relleno ($3.95). I forgot to take a cross section photo because I was enamoured with the freshly made sauce with multiple flavor points.  
The reason I was here: Enchiladas Suizas ($11.95) Corn tortillas filled with moist, shredded white meat chicken and Manchego cheese topped with (yet another) freshly made sauce, this time tomatillo based. So good; another craving that engulfs me.

So, there you have it- five wonderful fresh made sauces, completely different and each quality.  All served with fresh, quality vegetables, tortillas and meats. Since 1969.

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant 4050 Adams Avenue San Diego 92116 (619)282-4413 Website

Pho Hiep and Grill (Chula Vista)

Thanks for bookmarking mmm-yoso!!! a food blog.  Kirk is checking off lists of things to do, Ed(from Yuma) is marking off his calendar of errands and Cathy is following a timetable on the computer, interspersing Continuing Education classes online with writing about food. 

Here's a quick post about a meal at the Telegraph Canyon Chula Vista location of Pho Hiep Grill, which has been open since 2008.  The Linda Vista location and its food has been mentioned within or as the main of at least nine posts on this blog and there is a third, Eastlake Chula Vista location.  CC has been to both Pho Hiep and Grill's Chula Vista locations (and from her posts, it looks like she has tried almost the entire menu). 

 This location has the same or maybe a bit less seating than the Linda Vista store, but the parking situation is much better.  This mall is anchored by a Vons store, but Pho Hiep and Grill is more East, closer to the McDonald's in the parking lot.  Seating was prompt and hot tea ($1 each) was brought out in individual cups and not a pot. A bit different than the other location. The interior is newer and more modern.  Very neat and clean.  The Mister ordered the Bo Kho (beef stew) ($7.50).  The version here is very very good. The deceptively deep bowl was overfilled with beef, tendon and vegetables and the bread was warm, crispy and fluffy.  Very fresh and very good.  Seasoning was notable for slight (and not strong) anise.Continuing with my 'lemon beef salad' quest of the summer, I was slightly disappointed to see it was not offered here, however a lemon chicken salad (Goi Ga) ($7) was listed, so this was my order.  Again, prepared differently than all the other Vietnamese restaurants.  Large slices of white meat chicken cooked in a spiced lemon broth and served on crispy fresh sliced cabbage with a dressing of fried garlic, basil and topped with peanuts. This was served with shrimp chips, which just completed the flavor grouping.  

Another great, interesting version. I'm glad I stumbled upon this new to me  menu item and decided to try it whenever I saw it (or a similar version) on a menu this year.

Have a great week!

Pho Hiep and Grill 539 Telegraph Canyon Road Chula Vista 91910 (619) 482-8883 Open Sun-Thurs 9-9, Fri-Sat 9:30-9:30 website

 

WOW Cafe (ON the Ocean Beach Fishing Pier)

This is mmm-yoso!!!, a blog about food.  Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy are the usuals who write posts here.  Today's writer is Cathy.

If you've lived or are living in or visited San Diego and gone to the Ocean Beach area, you may have seen this font. Most likely, you saw it from this vantage point. It's way down there, a building sticking out of the pier.Walking up the stairs at the end of the pier, you are greeted by the gates and various signage.
You begin your walk on the longest cement pier on the West Coast. Enjoying and appreciating the views North and the surfers waiting to catch the next wave, the walk is windy, chilly, invigorating.Finally, it's so much closer... There are public restrooms, a Bait Shop and the Cafe within that building.  A lot of people call it the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe (which is the old name and where it is)... But this is the real name.  The same family, the Fishers (ha), have been the owners since 1993.  Another San Diego Institution. 
There are tables out in front as well as bar stools and a table railing on the pier opposite the doorway; plenty of seating.  Indoors, there is no wind.  Nautical decor, fresh flowers on the tables.  The Pier Plate ($10) herb battered pollack and shrimp on top of fresh fried potatoes and cole slaw.  The batter was fried properly, had good flavor; the fish was moist, thick and flaky; the slaw was fresh cut and lightly dressed (just the way I like it) and those potatoes...yes they look limp and they are limp and they have the *best* flavor, are cooked through and are wonderful!
{Note: The menu states that each plate has an "O.B. Pier Sinker" (jalapeño popper) on it, which neither of our plates had, and each of our plates was $1 less than the menu price of $11.} Since it is lobster season, I ordered the lobster taco ($6) and made it a plate ($4) - with slaw and  a "bun o'chowder" (instead of ordering a sourdough bowl). This was nice. Plenty of sauteed lobster meat and the topping was basically the slaw with tomatoes, sauce and jalapeño bits.  The bun o'chowder was fascinating...a toasted hamburger bun topped with a good amount of house made clam chowder.  The toasting of the bun meant not much absorbtion of chowder into the bread.  The chowder had a great flavor, with clam bits and potato.  
  When you are finished, the walk back doesn't seem to take as long.  

Prices are fair (not expensive but not dirt cheap), the food is fresh and good quality.  The view can't be beat.  

Walking On Water Cafe 5091 Niagara Avenue (at Bacon Street) San Diego 92107 (619)226-8653    Open 7 days 8-8

 

Yum Cha Cafe- many visits, mostly photos...

Thank you for once again stopping to check out mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is still away on travel.  Ed (from Yuma) is living the life of a retiree (in Yuma).  Cathy is writing in a seemingly random way about restaurants and food other than what you'll be reading about in a week or less. 

I sort of plan what to post while Kirk and His Missus away, each time deliberately avoiding certain ethnic restaurants, knowing He will be posting about his more authentic meals and knowing what we have in San Diego will never be as great as 'being there'.  So, even though I really like and have been going to (after craving because of receiving text photos from Kirk daily) ramen and sushi joints around town, no posts of those places will be done by me, at least not for a while. Instead, today's post is a compilation of many visits to a place Kirk  has posted about quite a few times and I only posted about once.  Yum Cha, a chain of  six California restaurants, is convenient, inexpensive (most items are $2.09-$2.69) and open from 8-8 daily. (Kirbie also wrote a few posts about Yum Cha Cafe).This is the Dim Sum style where you walk up, order and pay before finding a seat and carry your order to the table yourself, not the all fancy Dim Sum with tablecloths  and carts  wheeled between tables. The BBQ area sells items by the pound (or by the half or whole bird), the steam baskets and displayed items are sold by the each, and refilled promptly.  We tend to order from the 'fuller' (and therefore fresher) looking trays, usually finding something new each visit.

**Note** there are two large industrial electric urns near the front door.  If you ask for tea, you will be charged 25¢ for a cup and can fill it with either hot water or tea to enjoy with your meal. 

Without fanfare, here are photos of some recent meals. 

You place an order for soup or porridge when paying and when it is ready it will be called out.  I have recently been ordering fish porridge (congee with fish filet) here ($4.35) and have cravings for it, but sometimes the dumpling soups are what I want.  It's all tasty, not fancy, fresh food.

I hope you are having a great weekend!

Yum Cha Cafe 6933 Linda Vista Road San Diego 92111 (858) 268-9988 website

Where in the world are we...such beauty and sorrow edition

It's been a typical day for us, starting early and ready for bed by 9. Since it's still a bit early, I thought I'd do a short post. Our previous stop was one of amazing breath taking beauty.

All of this tremendous beauty was balanced by what happened in this area almost 70 years ago.

It is quite a sobering experience.

In terms of food. Oyster season has just begun here, so ordering is a no-brainer.

The area is also famous for this.

One evening we were wandering around and found a little alley where we enjoyed a fun evening. No English spoken, but who cares.....things got sorted out quite easily.

The pig ear was amazingly prepared.

Anyway, it's time for me to hit the sack.

The Missus says tomorrow is supposed to be an "easy day", but other than the typhoon day, we haven't had one of those yet and I don't think tomorrow will be an exception!

Hope you have a great weekend!

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Arely French Bakery Cafe (Revisit) (Clairmont)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Kirk is not blogging today, Ed (from Yuma) is not blogging today, Cathy is blogging today.

Back in 2007, I posted twice  within three months about Arely, a favorite stop.  Fast forward seven years. Located in Clairmont Town Square, Arely French Bakery has steadfastly remained in the same space, making quality cakes, desserts and breakfasts, lunches and dinners for more than seven years. Walking into the small space, the menu is straight ahead and above and both a refrigerated and warm display case are filled and directly in front of you.  Four tables inside, three outside and two benches are the entire seating area. One recent morning, the Breakfast Crépé ($8.50) was on my mind.  A thin flavorful pancake surrounding eggs, spinach, mushrooms, onions topped with melted Gruyere cheese, served with both home potatoes (usually a piece of baguette is given, but on this day the bread was still baking) and fruit, this was fresh, wonderful, filling.The Croque Madame ($8.65)is a usual order here.  Ham and Swiss cheese on the house made French Bread topped with two eggs (these weren't as runny as I'd like, but they were wonderful flavored eggs) and served with a side of fruit, this is a satisfying and flavor filled breakfast item. We took home this still warm snail pastry ($1.95) because I am still in my 'raisin' phase of cravings.

From the refrigerated case, a Pecan Tart ($3.95) was our choice. Different pastries and fillings yet similar in quality and depth of flavors.  The beginning (and ending) of a nice day. 

The weekend is almost here! 

Arely's French Bakery 4961 Clairmont Drive San Diego 92117 (858) 270-1910 Open 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily 

Lourdes' Mexican Food (The Best Chicken Soup in Town) (Escondido)

It's good to see you back here at our food blog named mmm-yoso!!! Kirk is enjoying vacation, Ed (from Yuma) is appreciating recreational time and Cathy is anticipating a respite in a few weeks.

Remember just about two weeks ago, when we had days with temperatures over 100˚?  How about those mornings last week when you woke to a chilly 45˚?  Felt good...until, you know, the coughing and sniffles started.  Both The Mister and I were in need of some sort of soothing comfort not involving pharmaceuticals.
Driving to Escondido on a weekday was a breeze: up the 15 to Centre City Parkway, jump onto the feeder road that is Escondido Boulevard, pass Petersons Donuts and a few blocks more, on the right, is Lourdes.  Since 1988 this location (and eventually adding two more locations) has made the best chicken soup in town -and it's about the best anywhere.Ordering is the standard: wait in line, order, pay, get a number, pick up beverages, stop at the salsa bar (complimentary chips and the mildest salsa are given to you when you order) and your freshly made food is brought out to you.Seating area is beautifully decorated (just like the faux windows painted outside), with only about 15 tables total. (The mural on the wall of the canal boats,   Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, honor Lourdes, her husband and their children (the names on the trajineras  are Hector, Lourdes, Wendy, Cynthia, Rafael and Alex).)  Notice there are two bowls of soup on that foreground table.Even if we weren't sick, the comfort of the plain cheese quesadilla($3.29) is always an order.  The cheese is more of a Oaxacan: creamy, stringy, flavorful.This day, a new menu item of chicken mole was on the counter Specials list.  We ordered it in burrito form ($5.55).  What an excellent mole: probably 30 different flavor points, sweet, slight heat, salty, nutty, savory and yet the chicken still had flavor.The large bowl of chicken soup ($6.99); our reason for this drive North.  All white meat chicken in a wonderfully flavored broth, with 'everything': rice, cilantro, onion and avocado.  Served with your choice of flour or corn tortillas, it is wonderful, deeply flavored, filling, curative.  We were good after this meal.

Hope your week is going well!

Lourdes' Mexican Food 650 S. Escondido Boulevard Escondido 92025 (760) 746-1141 Mon-Thurs 9-9, Fri, Sat, Sun 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Website

Big Ben Specialty Market- and Grill House at Big Ben (National City)(underrated)

Sadly, Big Ben has closed.  It will be missed.

Here we are, at mmm-yoso!!! a food blog.  Kirk is in the midst of a typhoon, Ed (from Yuma) is in the midst of a heat wave (or maybe because it's in the 90's and Yuma, it's a cooling wave...) and Cathy is anticipating a dry heat after morning fog.

Back in March, I read this post on cc's blog and made a mental note to stop at Big Ben Specialty Market.  It looked interesting and I  knew exactly where it was located, based on her first photo.  Fast Forward to October... ***We should have stopped here sooner***You might notice 8th Street in National City is in the midst of some reconstruction to keep traffic and parking to a more 'Town Center' level, instead of thoroughfare you just speed through.  Small islands and angled parking force you to slow down and notice things.There is a parking lot directly behind Big Ben Market, this is the view on the cross street, "A" Avenue...that's open air/outdoor seating for the in store restaurant, The Grill House at Big Ben.  We had to.Neat and clean with modern decor (tables made of reclaimed wood from the fire ravaged 65 year old Market which once stood here).  Order, grab a beverage and condiments and have a seat; your food will be brought out. (A nice touch- when we ordered, we were given a coupon to use in the market -good on that day only- for 10% off our entire purchase: yet another reason to eat before shopping). Menu items include  plates, burgers, skillets, sandwiches and salads made with various fresh spice/vegetable flavors of Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean and American (including BBQ).  The Mister ordered the 1/2 lb Tri Tip Plate ($9.95) which came with two sides.  He chose the Parmesan Kale salad and sweet potato fries.  Everything on this plate was quality: the Tri Tip was moist, tender, had great flavor on its own (before any of the not-too-sweet, house made sauce): the sweet potato fries, skin on, were freshly fried to a nice crispiness yet soft enough to enjoy the flavor; the Parmesan Kale salad was fresh, crisp, flavorful and addictive (it's sold in the store and we bought some for home).The Mediterranean salad ($4.95) with added grilled chicken ($2), served in the deceptive if-photographed-from-the-top-only bowl.  Crispy lettuce with more ingredients including not only fresh, but also sun dried tomatoes as well as a creamy, light Feta, onions and cucumbers.  The warm grilled chicken and a light balsamic dressing was just right. 

Fresh made items, hormone free meats, whole grains, local produce, served on reclaimed wood tables.  This would be considered a prime meeting place and shopping market if it were located in a different Zip Code.  The quality is noteworthy. Walking into the store, the kitchen and to go area with steam tables, cold sides and same menu as is served outside (see the pass through window third photo above?). Straight ahead, you'll see the meat counter, but just before that -on your left- is a salsa and cheese deli and grab and go meals (I'm assuming leftovers from the kitchen) with great prices ($2-$3 for a good sized meal). Poultry, meat and seafood counter has great prices even if not on sale.  Organic, grass fed beef is available here. Gourmet and regular condiments can be found, as well as some fancier/imported candies.  There is also a fairly extensive liquor and beer area.Not only are there a good selection of fruits and vegetables, a good portion are organic.  There are also freshly made tortillas in the store, both standard and organic. 

There are weekly in store as well as daily restaurant specials mentioned on the weekly flyer (available at the door).  The Grill House specials include a meal with one side for $4.95 from 2-9:30 daily, $2 off any sandwich on weekends, and Buy 2 get 2 meals free on the weekend (dine in only).

Again, if this were located elsewhere in the county, you would have read about it, seen it was the place to go and would have already enjoyed the quality. We had been missing out, but now will be regular shoppers (and a place for meals).

Big Ben Specialty Market 108 East 8th street National City CA 91950 (619)477-1015 7 am-9:30 pm daily Website

Where in the world are we - the waiting for the typhoon to pass edition

Yes indeed. We're waiting for typhoon Vongfong to pass, so I thought it might be time for another one of these. The city we're in has a amazing history. It mixes the dramatic history of being an ancient capital....

With that of being a busy, modern metropolis.

It is a city of shrines and temples and of wonderful restored neighborhoods.

Some of the temples are just plain beautiful and photogenic if you plan your time right and get there before all the tourists.

We've kind of kept it close to the cuff here....though the Missus has done Her share of damage shopping. In terms of eating; we've had some nice meals.

There's also a wonderful market within the shopping district as well.

Because of the typhoon; we've got a bit of unfinished business here and will definitely return. Our train is scheduled to leave in the morning so hopefully things will clear up by then.

Either way. We'll be in touch soon! 

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Ice cream(y) treats: Matcha Love, Moosie's, Hammond's and Niederfrank's

Matcha Love has closed.  Moose's, Hammond's and Niederfrank's are still in business. 

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about various foods we (Kirk, Ed(from Yuma) and Cathy) encounter, usually with a short story.  Today, because the guys are busy encountering various modes of transportation and trying to organize their photos and thoughts, Cathy is writing about a bunch of encounters with a common food.

Wow, we had a few weeks of horridly hot and humid days.  Usually, a nice cold glass of water or tea is satisfying, but there were days when the sweet tooth kicked in and needed to be part of the equation. Walking just inside Mitsuwa Marketplace, there used to be a bookstore to your right.  Recently, part of that floorspace was replaced with Matcha Love.  Earlier this year, Kirbie  and Elmo both blogged about this Japanese based franchise opening inside Mitsuwa locations.  Ito-En, the worlds largest supplier of green tea, is the owner of this business. The limited menu assures quality of the product.  The limited variations of product assures freshness. This day we ordered the Triple Ice Waffle Bowl ($4.75) which was three servings: matcha, black sesame and vanilla soft serve ice creams.  The other flavor, Hoji-Cha, is roasted green tea-traditionally an after dinner flavor and needs to stand alone; the flavors will not go well together.  As it was, the strong, tannic matcha flavor, as well as the deep black sesame flavor each -needed- to be 'rinsed' with the vanilla after a few bites.  This is 'adult' ice cream and not sweet at all.  Very good and refreshing. 

Matcha Love inside Mitsuwa Marketplace locations  The San Diego location is closed.While walking down Adams Avenue, after a delightful lunch, we saw this storefront  I had read about on cc's blog.  Since it was going to be another hot day, we dropped in. Moosie is a nickname of a grandmother of the owner and the ice cream is "super premium hand made" by Alhambra based Fosselmans Ice Cream Company.Lemon custard and pistachio almond were our shared choice this day.  The prices are fair for this quality (fat content) of ice cream.  The location is in the middle of an area with an overwhelming selection of interesting restaurants. 

Moosie's Ice Cream 4073 Adams Avenue San Diego 92116 (619) 634-4185 open noon-10 p.m. dailyDriving East on University, stopping at the signal light was the only way I noticed this signage.  I had read Kirbie's opening day post as well as three posts written by cc about this newly opened North Park gourmet ice cream selling destination.Hammonds offers 89 flavors of Tropical Dreams brand super premium ice cream and sorbet, made in Hawaii (super premium means 18% butterfat).  Even though you can get samples of the flavors, it's so difficult to decide and Hammonds has the perfect solution!The Hammonds 'Taster'- three, four, five or six small scoops of your favorite flavor on a (very) small cone. ($1.30 each) Our choices this day were all ice creams (we decided next time it will be all sorbets, based on our samples).  Cherry Royale, Rum Raisin, Pistachio and Kona Coffee Almond were chosen, so that we tried nuts as well as fruits and all with the various ice cream-iness.   Hammonds serves a quality product with great variety. 

Hammonds Gourmet Ice Cream 3077 University Avenue San Diego 92104 (619) 220-0231 website open noon-10 Sun-Thurs, until 11 on Fri-Sat

Realizing my most recent post about Niederfrank's was in 2007, I thought another stop (with documentation) was due.  Kirbie wrote about her 2009 visit and CC has by far outdone me in Niederfrank's postings since she lives nearby.  Niederfrank's has been in National City since 1948 and supplies ice cream to many San Diego County area restaurants and snack shops.The original storefront is barely changed, as the primary business of quality ice cream is unchanged.  This day, we chose 'Almond Joy' flavor (coconut with almonds and chocolate) as well as a yellow pistachio and dark cherry.  As always, fresh, good and a happy feeling afterward. 

Niederfrank's 726 "A" Avenue National City, CA 91950 (619) 477-0828 fax (619) 477-0876 Opens at 11 a.m. daily. Click here for website.

 I hope you're having a nice (and extended) weekend!