**** Mama Cinia has closed
I was quite surprised when Christy's Bakery closed, after all they were pretty much a Mira Mesa institution having been in that spot for a quarter century. Then it seems like overnight Mama Cinia opened. I decided to drop by and check them out.
First off, I have to say I really like the folks here, so warm and friendly. They've really freshened up and renovated the interior too.
They've got a variety of typical combos from the steam table, desserts like halo-halo, and also serve Mami from 2pm.
I dropped by between meetings to pick up an early lunch on the way back to the office. A 2 item combo with Garlic Rice.
I was surprised to see Bicol Express, something I just don't see often enough at these turo-turo joints. The very ncie woman was surprised I knew what it was. I also got the sisig (of course).
First off, the rice was on the dry side and the garlic a bit burnt. I liked that the sisig wasn't your typical "San Diego sisig", which is basically lechon kawale. Loved all the nice bits of pork, nice textures, a bit smoky, but for my tastes, in need to more spice and vinegar.
I was pleasantly surprised at how tender the pork in the Bicol Express was; but it was really greasy, and lacking in spice and I would have appreciated more bagoong as it was fairly bland.
A week later, having to attend the same meeting, I decided to return. This time I got the two item combination, chicken adobo and kare kare, with pancit instead of rice; they didn't even charge me the $1 extra...perhaps they forgot. Again, it was a load of food.
The flavor of the pancit was decent; enough soy sauce for a change, but it was a bit mushy in texture. Much like the Bicol Express, I was impressed at how tender all the meat and other bits were in the Kare Kare, but it was really, really bland....even that bagoong wasn't enough. This was also a bit on the greasy side as well.
The pieces of the chicken adobo were quite large and this could have used a bit more vinegar as it was pretty salty and now that I think about it, I like mine with a good amount of black pepper as well. I actually enjoyed the potato the most.
I did enjoy the fact that all the food I got was quite hot; perhaps it was because of the time I got there. The people are ultra friendly, so I'll probably drop by again. Maybe one evening to try the Beef Mami, after all, it's been ages since I've had a decent one. The portions are quite generous, so I don't think you'll be leaving hungry here.
Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles
9178 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126
Hours:
Wed - Sat, Mondays 9am - 8pm
Sundays 9am - 4pm
thought I commented here...hope they can improve :)
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 03 August 2016 at 09:28 PM
I hope so too Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 04 August 2016 at 06:08 PM