Saturday Stuffs - Okan Diner Replacing Izakaya Kanpai, Gourmet City Under New Ownership, and Pho 87 Opening Soon.

Here's a couple a of places I passed on my way to and from work and one that I had intended to check out, but had already closed.

Okan Diner Replacing Izakaya Kanpai:

Driving  home down Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, I noticed that the signage for Izakaya Kanpai had changed. I took a closer look and to my surprise; it said....Okan Diner!

I guess Okan's Empire is expanding yet again. So now it'll be a threesome, with the original Okan (Mom), Oton (Dad), wouldn't it be funny if they named this shop "Bozu"?

Be interesting to see what the menu's going to be like.

With Havana Grill and Private Kitchens opening in the last two years; the complexion of this strip sure has changed. I'm sure that the parking situation will probably become a bit tenuous as well.

5430 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

Gourmet City Changes Ownership:

The sun is rising a bit earlier these days. And on my typical 6am drive to work, I noticed a new Grand Opening sign on Gourmet City.

My sources tell me they now serve Cantonese fare in addition to the previous menu.

5541 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117 

Pho 87 Opening Soon:

A few weeks back, the Missus wanted me to pick something up from Northgate Market. I ended up having breakfast at Café Dore (post upcoming). On my way back home I noticed that the signage for Pho & Banh Cuon Ha Long Restaurant had changed to Pho Huong Viet. And while my sources told me it was still under the same ownership, I made a mental note to check them out. Having to make a return trip to Northgate Market, I turned into the parking lot at the corner of 54th and University.

And found that the place was being renovated. The sign on the door said "Pho 87 Noodle House. Coming soon in 2 weeks."

Man, talk about some quick turnaround since the Van Hoa days.

4016 54th Street
San Diego, CA 

Sadly, the rather large spot last occupied by Pho Da Kao still sits empty....man, it's been closed for over two years already!

Hope you're having a great weekend.

Comments

[Mani Vidar]

Dude! Excellent Saturday Patrol!! The early bird catches the worm! Great work.

[Cathy]

I noticed all of these in just the past week. Sad about so much that is gone. Hopefully the new places will be good.

[Mani Vidar]

Hi Cathy:

Actually it is not sad. It is free market survival of the fittest. IMO the standard is so high in the Kearny Mesa/Clairemont area that if you can't deliver the goods, you fail. As it should be.

[Derek]

I've had a few great meals at Okan and then some good and some not so good at Oton. It'll be interesting to see what style/theme they do with this new one.

Also - do you have any idea if there's any seafood in the stock at Private Kitchens? I asked and they said no but it had a slight "seafoodie" smell initially and the next day the that smell/flavor was even more pronounced.

[Kirk]

Hey MV - Actually not patrolling much....sort of via commute.

Hi Cathy - Van Hoa was there for over a decade....and now the location seems like a revolving door.

Hi Derek - I always thought Oton was on the inconsistent side; though I haven't been to in a while....hmmm....I need to follow-up on that. As for Private Kitchens, I never had a seafood smell in my hot pot broth.....that sounds kinda iffy.

[Mani Vidar]

Hey Professor K:

Maybe we can join forces and do a patrol together soon. 4 eyes are better than two!