OK, so it's supposed to start getting cooler this weekend. But until then, it's still way hot. I really don't think you want to read about Ramen Ryoma now, right? That'll have to wait until perhaps next week. Here are a couple of revisits.
Izakaya Sakura:
While my last couple of revisits to Sakura haven't been very pleasant, this restaurant which finally put up a sign after two decades, finally got me to come back in. It was hot; I was between meetings; the parking lot wasn't very full, so why not? Strangely, there was only one other couple in the entire place during my meal.
I ordered an old warm weather favorite; the Ebi Kakiage Zaru Udon….some nice chewy noodles and a cold dashi based broth.
Man, did they always pile on the light and crunchy fried morsels like this? Nothing like a cold noodle soup on a day that was so hot and strangely....in San Diego terms muggy. And still only ten bucks.
What had started turning me off in the past was the rather perfunctory and unpleasant service. Service today was quite pleasant and efficient....hey; they even refilled my water. Of course, with only three customers in the place.....
We'll see what happens on my next visit.
Izakaya Sakura
3904 Convoy St Ste 121
San Diego, CA 92111
**** Sadly, La Miche has closed
La Miche:
Another hot weather favorite of ours; I'm surprised to say we hadn't been here since last October. My bad. I dropped by on the way home from work and picked up some take-out. The Missus's favorites; Muhamarah, Shaankleesh, Baba Gannoush, and since they were out of Soujouk, some Makanek.
They even made up some fresh bread for us! This is one of the few places where the Missus will order Baba Gannoush; it's slightly smokey, doesn't use too much tahini, and that olive oil drizzled on it adds a nice grassy-earthy flavor. Of course I love the nutty and sweet Muhamarak and the funky cheesy Shaankleesh.
With some nicely chilled local cherry tomatoes and Persian cucumbers.....well, this was perfect.
It was also nice chatting with the owner Nabih; who is such a gentleman.
I need to eat here more often.
La Miche Kabobgee
9350 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123
stay cool!
Posted by: kat | Thursday, 09 August 2018 at 09:45 PM
You too Kat! I know it's really super hot where you are!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 10 August 2018 at 06:34 AM
I know Ryoma opened on Wednesday but it's way too hot for ramen right now. You're a trooper.
Posted by: Junichi | Friday, 10 August 2018 at 05:25 PM
It is waaaay too hot for ramen right now Junichi! Folks form work really wanted to try the place and had no clue where it was.
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 11 August 2018 at 06:38 AM