Celebrating Chinese New Year early - at Sam Woo BBQ

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of the food blog you are reading.  Kirk is not writing today (remember, he needs a vacation), nor is Ed(from Yuma).  Cathy has a short post.

The Mister and I usually go out to breakfast on weekdays, but know that if we can get somewhere early on a weekend day, most places are not crowded.  Since we also try to get shopping in early, 99 Ranch Market is sometimes a weekend stop.The exterior is decorated for the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, which is Monday February 8 this year. Inside the store are decorations, gift baskets, treats and many choices of red paper envelopes to purchase. Across the hall, Sam Woo BBQ opens for breakfast from 9-11 a.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30-11 on the weekend.

The menu has 31 items (each $4.25).  { In 2007, breakfast items were $3.20,  in 2009, the price had jumped to $3.50  in 2011, breakfast prices dropped to $3.25.  Good times. Still, worth it.}   

Hot tea or a very strong cup of coffee, served with sweetened condensed milk is still only 30¢ (hot tea is free at lunch and dinner).We usually order three items, one always some sort of soup or porridge.  This time, #11, Shrimp Dumpling Noodle Soup- yellow eggy noodles and five shrimp with pork stuffed dumplings along with a piece or two of bok choy. The soup bowl is large. 

The #23, Roast Duck Lo Mein, served 'dry', with a rich with anise flavored broth on the side is just a perfect breakfast for me.  The meaty duck with its crisp skin along with the noodles and broth is fresh and satisfying.The top item on the menu (#1), Stir Fried Rice Vermicelli with Luncheon Meat is another great item. Two types of onion, sprouts and slices of luncheon meat all stir fried in a wonderful seasoned wok has such flavor that either this or the bottom item on the menu (Fried Rice with Luncheon Meat) is always ordered.  If we can't finish all of the food, those can be re-heated. 

Sam Woo BBQ inside 99Ranch Complex 7330 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (619)505-9888 fax (619)514-8988 Breakfast 9:00 -11:00 a.m. M-F, 8:30-11:00 a.m. Sat-Sun

We wish all of our mmm-yoso!!! readers good health, wealth and luck for the forthcoming year of the Monkey!  

This is a link to an amusing article about Chinese New Year do's and don'ts, from Australia (turn down the sound!)

Comments

[Sage]

Hah, I was just there at 3pm today… I thought “Now’s a good time to go shopping since people will be settling in for the Super Bowl” and I TOTALLY FORGOT that Chinese New Year is tomorrow. It was crazy town in there.

[Cathy]

This weekend (and next) are crazy times, Sage. Super Bowl, Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday-then next weekend has President's Day-a three day weekend with Valentine's Day as part of it. Crowds everywhere- similar to Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year!

[Soo @ hungryones]

Cool post! Sam Woo is one of my fav breakfast spots!

[Kyle]

Wish there was a Sam Woo here in Seattle.

[Green After The Rain]

This is definitely a go to cheap Chinese breakfast stop! I always get the milk tea although I wish the tea would be stronger but still not too bad.

[Cathy]

Thanks, Soo. I knew I couldn't post on a traditional Chinese New Year dinner. We do like Sam Woo, too.

Oh how sad, Kyle. It's a great place and there always seems to be one right next to a 99Ranch Market (at least in Las Vegas and a couple of So Cal locations where I've stopped).

Quite inexpensive, GAtR. I never had a milk tea with breakfast! When I go to beverage places, I default to coffee milk tea. That may be my new comparison item to look for this year, because I do like a strong tea flavor.

[Ed (from Yuma)]

I am so jealous. Simple quick cheap and good Sam Woo. Just what I needed when I lived in SD. Wouldn't mind some now.

[Cathy]

It's been the perfect place for a quick bite for about ever, Ed. Maybe someday, Yumans will get to enjoy the simple yet tasty food from here. Maybe.