mmm-yoso!!!

Izzy's Cafe (return visit) (El Cajon)

Thanks for stopping by and reading mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is just busy right now, so Cathy is writing.

It's been almost five years since my Izzy's Cafe post.  This El Cajon restaurant, open daily from 7-2 (now it is open on Sunday, but stopped doing dinner) has been at this corner of Broadway at Crosby for about 20 years.   
The interior and table decor has remained the same (if you order coffee($2.50), you get whatever cup design is available) and the breakfast menu (at the bottom of this post) is fairly basic; the same ingredients in different combinations, prepared very well.
 The diced ham scramble ($9.75) is made with the in-house mesquite smoked ham (Izzy's has it's own wood pit barbecue), cheese and three eggs, served with a choice of sides (these country potatoes or hash browns or grits)as well as a choice of muffin, biscuit, fresh fruit or toast (rye, of course was my order). {The list of daily muffin choices is on the white board at the front door}. We both asked for a side of the house made salsa, which is wonderful. I always add condiments after about halfway through a meal, making it seem like a different entree. 
 Also on the white board at the front door are daily specials, The Mister chose this one-two blueberry pancakes (made with fresh blueberries), two eggs and two sausage (or bacon) ($10.50).  The pancakes were light with crisp edges and the plump blueberries were warm and burst with flavor- I didn't think the cakes needed syrup. The sausage is local made and large. It's a skinned type, made with mild (not traditional breakfast sausage) spices.  The eggs were perfectly over easy.  

Another nice meal at a local institution. 

Izzy's Cafe 1252 Broadway El Cajon 92021 (619) 447-5067 Open daily 7-2
 

Saigon Pho & Seafood Restaurant (revisits)(City Heights)

Here you are, back at mmm-yoso!!!, reading about food.  Kirk and His Missus are having a memorable time together and Cathy is doing the blogging.

These chilly mornings and warm afternoons have been pleasantly 'Autumn/Summer' for the past few weeks.  Food choices are something The Mister and I have great discussions about each day near lunch time...hot or cold; spicy or mild; forks, fingers or chopsticks...

We've returned again to Saigon Pho & Seafood. (Kirk has been here, too.)

   The signage hasn't changed, nor have the dual 'one way' entrances (both going in the same direction).
The giant fish tank is still here. The Goi Tom Thit ($12.99) pork, shrimp and jellyfish salad-always refreshing and vegetable filled.  I do really enjoy celery and this salad has it, along with bamboo, carrots, mint and peanuts.  The pork and shrimp are chilled and the meld of flavors are just right.
 The soup, Mang Cua ($4.95 small) crab meat with white asparagus was just the right amount of flavors to have in one meal.  The soup has egg, peas, carrots, bamboo, cilantro and onion and the small size is just enough for a light meal. 

 The Bo Bia ($4.25)- daikon and carrot rolls with Chinese sausage and egg are served with a peanut sauce. I've been trying sausages of various ethnicities lately and these Chinese ones were very flavorful and still warm when served.  An amazing amount of flavors; different from the 'plain' shrimp and pork rolls we usually get.  Trying different items from the menu has always been a winner here. Cha Banh Xeo ($8.95), a crispy crepe filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, onion and mung beans is ordered before we look at the menu.  Each Vietnamese place uses the same ingredients, yet each plate presented is unique in flavor.  The sprouts here are very lightly steamed and the crispiness, combined with the crepe,  pork and shrimp, wrapped in lettuce with some mint, dipped in the fish sauce is clean and bright in flavor.I tried this Bun Tau Hu Ky Thit Nuong ($8.95).  Char grilled pork, rolled and shrimp in bean curd skin with cold vermicelli and salad greens, sliced cucumber and mint as well as pickled carrots, radish and chopped peanuts.  This is so fresh, refreshing and flavorful on a hot day. The Mister ordered the stir fried shrimp and vegetables and was asked if he wanted crispy noodles and he answered in the affirmative.  The carrots, broccoli and cabbage along with canned corn and the plump shrimp coated in a velvet 'gravy' on top of the crispy egg noodles was quite a comfort food. I decided to try the Tom Tai Chanh ($11.99)- rare shrimp  salad served with lemon sauce. This was wonderful- the vegetables (carrots, cucumber, celery and radish) were thinly sliced the 'long way' with a potato peeler or mandoline and were just so very different. The shrimp were so plump and had been cooked in lemon (or maybe lime, it appears) juice.  The addition of the fish sauce based 'dressing' enhanced all of the flavors.  

It's always a fun and tasty adventure trying out the menu here.

Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant 4455 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego 92115 (619)284-4215 Open Sun-Th 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 9a.m.-11 p.m.

 

Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant 4455 El Cajon Boulevard San Diego 92115 (619)284-4215 Open Sun-Th 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 9a.m.-11 p.m.

Franco's Flapjack Family Restaurant (Poway)

Thank you for (once again) stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! This food blog is just that, a blog.Today, Cathy is writing about a haooenstance meal while Kirk is still enjoying a bit of a vacation.

The Mister and I were driving North on the 15, intending to have a quick breakfast at Nutmeg Bakery and Cafe when the traffic in front of us just stopped.  I took the Poway Road exit East.  We hadn't been here in quite a while (years) and the area hasn't changed much.  As we passed this signage, I took a U turn. 

  I had heard of Franco's in Bonita (from cc's post) but didn't know about a Poway location. After doing some research, it seems this location opened in August. We were greeted immediately (just before the lunch rush) and sat in the cooler back room area (there was a lot of sun in the front part).   The Mister chose the chicken fried steak, which comes with three eggs (over easy, perfectly cooked) and home fries as well as a choice of toast or fresh baked muffin (there were about six choices; this was cappuccino and had a really nice coffee flavor-a quality, baked to order muffin).  The chicken fried steak had a delightful thin, crisp crust and the steak was just about the perfect thickness.  The gravy had sausage bits but not much pepper, which was fine-we added after tasting.  I like having an option. 

 When walking in, the white board had a daily special of a Monte Cristo ($10). A good amount of quality turkey and ham with two slices of cheese on some hearty white bread cooked in a French toast manner. The only thing missing was some sort of jam or syrup and we did open a couple of jam/jelly packets from the tabletop condiment selection.   I was asked what side I wanted....french fries were the first option and insteadI asked for a side salad-making this meal a 'brunch'.  This was quite a large salad (deceptive photography of the plate) and very satisfying.

A good find.  Maybe next time, we'll try the flapjacks.

Franco's Flapjack Family Restaurant 14034 Poway Road Poway 92064 (858) 883-2516 Open daily 7-3 

Hunter Steakhouse

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is busily enjoying some days off (from work and the blog) and Cathy is writing about meals enjoyed.

If you drive West on the 8, just before you get to the 5, on the North side of "Hotel Circle", you may have noticed the signage. 

    Once you wiggle your way around and get to Camino Del Rio North, find the parking lot and walk up... the lobby area gives you a peek as to the decorating style of your dining area.  Ah, the 1970's, when many restaurants were designed to look like they were log cabins, with dark paint, much wood and river rock surrounded fireplaces. 

This restaurant (one of two in the county-the other location is in Oceanside off the 5 at the 78) is a great throwback, in looks and in the menu. 
   We were here for lunch.

  Once you order, a fresh, warm half loaf of molasses bread (with softened unsalted butter) is brought out. The crisped crust is thin and has the subtle sweetness of molasses glazed on it, it's a bit more sweet than the molasses in the bread itself.   We decided to try the lunch menu's 'Appetizer Sampler' ($12) as one of our meals.  Three items: 1)Lump crabmeat stuffed mushrooms, topped with Monterey Jack cheese; wonderful, large, fresh and so very good.  2)Calamari, in a cornmeal batter, fried in onion and sweet red peppers and topped with an ancho chili mayonnaise; perfectly crisp, not oily and substantial in size. 3)Potato skins; I haven't had any in such a long time and these were so very good. 
  Our other meal came with a choice of soup or salads (caesar, spinach or tossed greens). At the front door, we noticed a sign that the house made Bleu Cheese dressing was available for purchase, so chose that to go with the 'tossed greens'. The dressing was wonderful, as was the very fresh salad.  The 'petite cut' of prime rib (8 oz) ($19), perfectly cooked at medium rare and encrusted in a delightful herb mix. It was quite large enough for us to share, especially after that Appetizer Sampler. The baked potato was so large that we took half home to use for breakfast the next day. 

All in all, a tasty and 'fancy' lunch for the two of us. 

Hunter Steakhouse 2445 Hotel Circle Place San Diego 92108 (619) 291-8074 Website Mon-Th 11:30-9:30, Fri 11:30-10, Sat, 4-10, Sun 4-9

I hope you are enjoying this extra long weekend!

2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test and breakfast at Farmer Boys

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog and today is probably the most non-food seeking day of the year after a huge Thanksgiving Day of snacking, feasting and now, having a refrigerator full of leftovers.  Kirk (and his Missus) are enjoying some time off and Cathy is writing.

Prior 2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade float road test posts: July, August, September, October

Want to get more updates about the entire Tournament of Roses? Look at this website!

Last weekend was the final day of announced road testing for the Phoenix Decorating Company and their 17 entries of floats for the 2018 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. As you will see, some of the floats are not complete yet (but the artist renditions at the link give you a good idea). There are three other float building companies and six of the floats entered in the Parade are 'self built'.  The Mister and I have volunteered with the Petal Pushers for many years, decorating various floats over the years (you can, too!).  The Opening Unit float, with the Parade Theme (Making A Difference) banner, will lead off the Parade (following the Opening Show, presented by Honda).
 The Closing Unit float will be the final float in the parade. 
 Farmers Insurance is sponsoring a large float, "Honoring Hometown Heroes" which has both an old fashioned Fire Ladder Truck and Police Car and is still in the beginning construction phase.  In this photo, you can see where the 'Spotter' will sit, guiding the 'Driver' (who only looks down at the Rose Colored line permanently drawn on Colorado Boulevard, following it throughout the parade route) via headset about possible upcoming driving hazards.
  The Forum, A Los Angeles world class music venue, is celebrating it's 50th year with "The Story Lives On" as the float title.  
 The Trader Joe float, "Hat's Off~" is still under construction and I can't wait to see it, based on the artist renditions! 
 The floats ready for 'dry decoration' (scissors and glue are used)(the days before fresh flowers are delivered; before Christmas Day) and stored inside the Phoenix Decorating barn.  

Phoenix Decorating Company  Website

After we watched some of the floats driving down Ornelas Street, tested for maneuverability and safety, we drove North,  crossed over the 210,
and, after a block or so, turned into the Farmer Boys parking lot (which is shared with a McDonalds). ( At the bottom of that post is a link to another Farmer Boys meal). HERE is a link to a Hungry Ones blog post. 
 Breakfast is served all day, the menu is simple, fresh and prepared after you order and brought to your table. 
 The Mister ordered a Ham and Cheese omelet (made with three eggs and chopped ham) which came with (his choice) hash browns and (again, his choice) rye toast ($7.79).  Excellent, as always. I  I also wanted ham and cheese, but chose the 'Daybreak' ($4.59)
 It's made with two eggs
 and has two whole (grilled) slices of ham.  Another great meal, especially on the toasted (and buttered) roll. 

Farmer Boys Website

I hope everyone is having a nice post-Thanksgiving Day (and weekend)! 

 

Thanksgiving Day, 2017

We at mmm-yoso!!! wish everyone reading a Happy Thanksgiving Day.  Kirk and His Missus (as well as Cathy and Her Mister) are enjoying non-traditional Thanksgiving Day activities (and meals).  Cathy is writing this post. 

The Mister and I found some good prices on turkeys and sides a few weeks ago.  We couldn't wait and have had our feast.  Of course, a regular side dish is always made and usually consumed as an 'appetizer'. Fresh cranberries weren't even available in the stores yet....but have been purchased for future meals.  The leftovers were wonderful!

The temperatures in San Diego County will be in the 90's today; it will be summer-y, not autumn-y.

You'll be getting a couple of posts about how all of us observed this holiday.

Until then, be safe, enjoy this day of Thanks, family and/or friends, and/or strangers and have a Happy Thanksgiving from the mmm-yoso gang!

Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria

**** Pisco has closed

If you've read this blog long enough; you know that I love the cuisine of Peru; which, in addition to unique indigenous foods includes an amazing mish mash of all those who came upon its shores, there's something about the food of Peru that really strikes a chord with me.

Funny thing, I recently had an email asking if I'd tried Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria, which opened a few months ago in Liberty Station. I replied that I had eaten there 3 times. I was then asked why I hadn't posted on the place yet. I answered that I wanted one more visit before I did a post. I think Pisco did that to me. Opened by Sami Ladecki in the former location of his namesake Sammy's Woodfired Pizza in Liberty Station. I was told that Pisco was designed as his love letter to Peruvian Cuisine, I was really excited to visit.

And my good buddy Candice was more than happy to humor me.

I liked the interior, colorful, yet understated, the service was very good, except when it came to understanding what the place was serving. When we asked about certain dishes, we got blank and confused looks....which happened on a couple of my visits. Good spirited tries......but no cigar.

The Pisco Sour was decent, certainly, not in the league of what we've had in Lima.

It was bit on the weak side. One of my acquaintances told me it tasted more like a margarita than a pisco sour.

The canchita was spot on; not too salty, nice and warm.

And it was just screaming for some cebiche.

Which is what came out first....the "Classico" of course.

While the portion size was fairly small for twelve bucks; the whitefish was nicely "cooked" by the leche de tigre. Very tender in texture, good balance, leche de tigre not too sour, I enjoyed the chocolo (peruvian corn), but lamented the small portion of camote (sweet potato), which wasn't flavored correctly and was too mushy for my taste.

We'd recently been back in Lima rather recently and had really enjoyed the "Leche de Tigre" styled dishes at places like El Veridico de Fidel, I was intrigued by what the Martini de Tigre ($14) was going to be like.

This was way too acidic, sour, and spicy to enjoy. The seafood was nicely prepared, but it was difficult enjoying the dish.

Up next was the Causitas with Crab ($15). This was a very nice version of the classic causita; the potatoes creamy, the crab sweet, without too much mayo.

The potatoes were very moist, not too heavy and the tobiko added a nice textural and slight briney flavor to the dish. the tomatoes added a bit of acid as well.

Of course I had to order what I consider to be, along with cebiche, the national dish of Peru; Lomo Saltado ($16 + $2 for an egg). Adding an egg was a no-brainer.

I love lomo saltado as you can see if you do a search on the blog. On our last trip to Peru, we were struck at how this dish has seemed to evolved into Lomo saltado con Tacu Tacu. Unfortunately, this dish made me rather sad. First off; the dinner fries just seemed out of place, being too large and dry. The beef was on the tough side and had a slight metallic flavor to it. The overall balance in flavor was off and this was just too salty to enjoy.

The Braised Lamb Shoulder ($25) was very interesting. This seemed to be a take on Seco de Cordero.

We didn't care for the texture of the lamb, which was shredded, making things seem a bit mushy. But they sure didn't hold back on the mildly minty-anise-bitter, yet sweet flavor of huacatay. It just went so well with lamb. I enjoyed the crisp fried kale and the sweet Cipollini onion, even though they seemed a bit out of place in this dish. Overall, a very nice entrée.

The visit was a mixed bag that showed some potential. After all, it was grand opening and all that.

So, a few weeks later, I decided to return for just a Pisco Sour and the Cebiche Classico. This time I sat at the bar and met a nice fellow named "Mike" who was from Peru. We had a ncie chat and I got my cebiche.

This version wasn't nearly as good as what I'd had on my previous visit. The leche de tigre was very sour; the fish tough, with a mild fishy taste. On a funny note; when I lamented the portion size of the camote, Mike told me, "in Lima, we most feed that to the dogs anyway"! Must be some lucky dogs. This wasn't very good....which you can just see.....

Still, I waited a couple of weeks and dropped by during Happy Hour. Since I'd enjoyed the causitas the last time; I ordered the "Grilled Octopus:.

A causita by any other name; the garlic infused mashed potatoes were excellent, as was the tender octopus. Not enough piquillo peppers to make much of an impact, though what seemed to be an aji rocoto based sauce was delicious as it did a very nice job of cutting any of the richness in the dish.

On my previous visit, "Mike" had recommended the Carne Empanada, so I ordered that as well. The creamy huacaina sauce proved to be a nice foil for the onions. The filling had a nice flavor, with a mild sweet-smokiness that I detected.

Unfortunately, the middle of the empanada was barely lukewarm.

Not a bad visit, but not great, I was left with mixed feelings.

And so my photos resided in limbo, just kind of hanging around waiting for me to post. Until that faithful email (thanks ST!). I was almost reluctant to return, but decided that enough time had past and I needed to get this post done. So, last week I returned. I again sat at the bar. The dining room was pretty quiet when I arrived, but quickly filled up.

I sat at the bar trying to decided on what to order. I went back to the first few times I had Peruvian food; back in the 90's, living in LA.....the gateway dish for me was Pollo ala Brasa, rotisserie chicken. It had been a while since I'd had a good version. So why not go with the Half Chicken ($17), which came with two sides. I went with the Choclo Garlic Rice and Canary Beans.

Three sauce were provided for the chicken, which came in handy since, while the skin of the chicken was nicely flavored, the meat was a bit dry and on the bland side. The garlic rice was mushy, very salty, and the cholco a bit too hard. The canary beans were very nice; perfectly prepped, excellent texture, slightly smokey....man, they would have killed it with some tacu tacu. That chimichurri sauce was quite heady; though it had me missing the aji verde that used to be served with the pollo a la brasa we used to eat way back when.

So, what to say about Pisco? I've got mixed feelings. I enjoy more restaurant choices, but have never been one to be "just happy to have it", if you know what I mean. I think the best explanation of the food at Pisco is what "Mike" told me that day at the bar when I mentioned that what I'd had at Pisco just wasn't quite "there", if you know what I mean. He told me, "look, I think Pisco is Peruvian food for those who never had Peruvian food. It's an introduction." Fair enough; I had my "gateway dish" all those years ago, but have grown and expanded my horizons. Hopefully, Pisco will too.

Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria
2401 Truxtun Rd
San Diego, CA 92106
Hours:
Sun - Thurs 5pm - 9pm
Fri - Sat 5pm - 10pm

 

Reykjavik - Grillmarkadurinn (The Grill Market)

The Missus had enjoyed our dinner at Fiskmarkadurinn so much, She had me make reservations at their sister restaurant, named Grillmarkadurinn (The Grill Market). I was lucky enough to get reservations and it would end being a nice finish to our trip to Iceland.

The restaurant was fairly close to where we were staying. It is rather discreetly located down a passage and is easy to miss if you don't see the signs.

The place was packed and like other restaurants, you hang your coat on the rack near the doorway. We found a strategic and easy to remember location on the rack.....we saw several folks digging around having not remembered where they hung their coats.

The service here was very good; relaxed but professional. Like the Fish Market, many items had Asian touches. Some sounded a bit odd, but we actually enjoyed this meal more than what we had the previous night.

Man, do we love the bread and the whey butter in Iceland.....

The Missus really enjoyed the Minke Whale the previous night, so we started with the Minke Whale Steak (2890kr - about $27.75 US).

Fashionably dressed with chili threads and served with a ponzu sauce, we both really enjoyed this version of Minke Whale. I really didn't care for the robata version I had the night before, finding it too livery. I thought this was very tender; the crisp oyster mushrooms added an almost sweet earthiness to the tender and mildly offaly whale.

Next up; a dish whose name was so long that I actually wrote it down - Angelica Lamb from Halla at Ytri Fagridalur (2190kr - $21 US).

So, what's in a name? Ytri Fagridalur is the name of the farm where Halla Sigríður Steinólfsdóttir and her husband raise certified organic lamb. During the summer months the lamb are fed Angelica, which is supposed to change the flavor of the lamb. We both enjoyed the lamb, it was quite mild in flavor and surprisingly tender. We thought the Sichuan Peppercorn based seasoning was a bit over-powering.

So, Minke Whale and Angelica Fed Lamb....a bit too much for you? How about some sliders?

Of course these weren't just ordinary sliders. This was Whale, Puffin, and Langoustine "Mini-Burgers" (3790kr - $36.50 US). Not cheap, but quite interesting.

The Langoustine version was very tender and sweet, though the addition of chorizo kind of killed things for us.

The whale was by far our favorite as it went strangely well with the pesto and was very meaty, with a flavor that edged toward grass-fed beef. The puffin had a rather strange livery-fishy flavor; kind of predictable, since it's main diet is small fish. While I won't be searching it out in the future, I was glad to have tried it.

We shared one "main"; the "Fish Gourmet" (5490kr - $53 US).

A trilogy of fish; salmon, cod and redfish served with garlic potatoes and vegetables. The most memorable of the bunch was the cod which was so tender and buttery, unlike the cod I'm used to eating here in the states.

Some of the flavors and presentation (and prices!!!) was a bit over-the-top.

But the ingredients were without a doubt top-notch.

 

So, if you're doing the math; dinner topped out at about $175; not cheap, but we went mostly with starters and one rather large sized main course. The steaks can go for $70-$100.

Iceland turned out to be quite an interesting eating destination for us. A big plus is that folks here are very friendly and nice.

If I had a choice between the Fish Market and the Grill Market; we'd go with Grillmarkaðurinn.

Grillmarkaðurinn
Lækjargata 2a
101 Reykjavík, Iceland

I ended my last evening as I often do; with a "cold one" and reflected on all we'd done and the places we had been. Starting in Seattle for an overnight stay. From there it was off to Paris, the city captivated the Missus, and made my credit card scream for mercy. From there it was off to Burgundy where we were entranced by the countryside, the Saturday Market in Beaune, and the food. It was back to Paris and one of the finest meals we've ever had. Being able to visit Iceland was icing on the cake. We had no complaints; even the $70 for three-quarters of a tank of gas didn't phase us. We are lucky to be able to travel like this.......

Thanks for reading!

Sunday Sandwiches - The Sandwich A'Fare

**** The Sandwich A'Fare has closed

Recently, while checking in to see if Lai Chen was actually open (it wasn't) I noticed a sign for something called Sandwich A'Fare. It was pointing down to the rear of the strip mall we call the "Kearny Mesa restaurant refugee mall" because it houses Abbey BBQ and the Philadelphia Sandwich Company. The shop is indeed discreetly located.

There's no street signage, the interior is quite Spartan, you really wouldn't know it was there unless you really looked carefully or maybe had a appointment at one of the auto businesses on the backside of the mall.

The menu board said that this shop has been here since 1981! That's quite a run. On both my visits there was an older gentleman who sat on a table beside the counter. A few customers called him "Bud", So I'm guessing he's the owner. He seems to be a bit of a curmudgeon, in kind of a funny, grumpy way.

The sandwiches all have "names" like the Cassius Clay - pastrami and swiss; add ham and it becomes Muhammed Ali. Bill Walton is the turkey sandwich, Liberace is ham and salami. Not quite sure what the naming significance is of some of the sandwiches (other than the obvious like the Euell Gibbons - haven't heard that name in ages), but the prices are very nice at $6.25. I did find it humorous that the "club" style sandwiches were described in a more generic manner (ham, bacon & swiss) but cost you a buck more!

I went with owners namesake; Bud's Special ($6.25).

Thinly sliced hot roast beef and cheddar. While the portion size was good, I thought it had too much mayo and the protein was rolled onto one side of the roll. One bite of meat; the next was bread, shredded lettuce, and mayo. It was simple, fast, filled a need, and was nicely priced.

A few weeks later I set out for something rather quick on my way back to the office and dropped by, ordering the "Godfather".

I actually do like the way they thinly slice the meat; though it was again a bit mayo heavy and out of balance because of the way they roll the meat into the sandwich. Yet, I had no complaints about the price.

I have a soft spot for these small, unpretentious, family run neighborhood sandwich shops like Rose Canyon Deli and the Sandwich Place. Often located in a business park, industrial area, or office complex, they fill a need. While there are a ton of "chain choices" around, I prefer spending my money at places like this.

The Sandwich A'Fare
6904 Miramar Rd. Suite 107
San Diego, CA 92121
Open
Mon - Fri 1030am - 230pm

Revisits - Tim Ky Noodle and Cali Baguette Express (Mira Mesa)

A couple of more working during the weekend breakfasts.

Tim Ky Noodle:

It had been a while since I last visited. And even longer since I've had the Beef Sate Noodle here. So, I decided to drop before having to trudge to work on a Saturday morning.

This was better than what I've had here before.

While still fairly "light" in flavor compared to; say Minh Ky, the beef as fairly tender. The broth had just enough "edge" to it; that it went well with the beef. As you notice; I put a little broth in the spoon  a piece of meat, and eat. Not bad at all. I do wish it had a bit more oomph.....and onions; but at least there was a "powdery residue" on the meat. The noodles were nicely prepared and the portion size very nice.

I left satisfied.

Tim Ky Noodle
9330 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126 

Cali Baguette Express:

Sunday has kind of been like the new Tuesday or Wednesday, or even Thursday recently. The days just kind of string together. Though I don't need to go in at 630 on Sundays. I get to have some breakfast. I hadn't been to the Mira Mesa location of Cali Baguette Express since we did our Mira Mesa Banh Mi challenge back in 2011. At that time the Bamh Mi at Cali Baguette tied for the favorite. Since then they've expanded a bit and have taken over the former location of Mama Testa.

Much like the City Heights location; this shop is pretty crowded with "stuff".

And keeping some of the décor from Mama Testa makes things look like a bit of a mish-mash.

I ordered the Banh Mi Thit Nguoi ($3.75).

I'm not sure what's going with all my old favorites falling by the wayside these days; from Izakaya Sakura to Pho Lucky. Amd now Cali Baguette Express? The bread was the biggest problem; pale, dry, lacking crustiness, and almost stale? Poor quality control.

With banh mi, it's all about proportion, when a key part of the sandwich fails; it drags the whole thing down. Maybe I should be happy that K sandwich is reopening.

Cali Baguette Express
9225 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92116