Noodling Around City Heights, Before the (Covid-19) Storm - Minh Ky and Pho King

I had to go to Northgate Market on Saturday, March 14th and I was wondering how shops in City Heights were holding up with, at that time, the first positive Covid-19 in the region reported just five days earlier. So, on my way back home I decided to make a stop at Minh Ky.

It was 10am and the crazy-horrible parking lot where Minh Ky is located would usually be full; but there were a few stalls open and I found parking.

At this time of the morning, MK would usually be packed; especially on a Saturday, but for my entire meal, I was the only customer in the place.

I got my usual - the Beef Sate Egg Noodle Soup "dry" - soup on the side. And as usual, all the savory flavors, nicely prepped egg noodles, it really did the job.

Still, it felt really strange to be eating in Minh Ky, with no customers, no takeout, it kind of gave me the heebies…...

Minh Ky Restaurant
4644 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92115

It was so strange that I decided to head back to the area the following day, Sunday, March 15th and since it was just 9am, I chose Pho King. I ordered my usual here - the Hu Tieu Mi Kho.

There were some strange things about this bowl; first the soy sauce broth lacked the usual ground pork in it; it was also more salty than usual; lacking the sweet tones that add balance to it.

Notice anything strange about the noodles?

Yep, where's the Hu Tieu?

Wait...hold the presses, I found one....strand of Hu Tieu.....

This was a rather strange bowl overall....and maybe appropriate considering how weird things felt with no customers in the place, nor the old-timers drinking coffee outside.

And perhaps it was just fate that my last meal out, before the edict came down on March 16th, was at place named Pho King.

Pho King Restaurant
4658 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

I'm not sure how the Covid-19 outbreak will change things regarding the future of the restaurant business....I'm not sure how many places that I frequent will still be around when we get to the other side of this. I can only hope that we "do the right thing" which will enable us to get past this. And perhaps my next bowl of Hu Tieu Mi Kho at Pho King will be perfect.

Be safe everyone!

Comments

[RedDevil]

Nice post! If they reopen restaurants, will people go?

[Kirk]

The Missus and I have been discussing that very subject RD! Time will tell....

[Cathy]

I've seen some photos online of re-opened restaurants in China and Korea. Either removed tables or taped off seats/tables, plexiglass barriers on communal tables and no condiments on the tabletops! A few videos showed large bowls of hot water- utensils and tableware are dipped in the hot water before being placed on the table.

[kat]

hoping your favorites will still be around, stay safe!

[Kirk]

Yes, seen a couple versions of the plexiglass and other dividers online Cathy.....we'll see what happens here.

I do too Kat!

[Junichi]

My last sit down meal pre-covid was Hinotez on the 14th. God I miss me some yakitori.

[jack]

Just an FYI. I was hoping to visit Minh Ky this past weekend but when I called, their phone message said that they are closed until further notice. Good people....I hope they can open up soon!

[Kirk]

Now you've got me craving Yakitori Junichi! Man, March 14th; it now seems so long ago......

Bummer Jack! They are a City Heights intitution.

[Soo]

My last meal out was at Cafe 21. https://www.hungryones.com/2019/04/cafe-21-university-heights/

There was a strange vibe at the place that night.

[Kirk]

Probably was that way at many places during that period Soo.

[caninecologne]

My last meal out was with my sister at El Pez in South San Diego. Last coffees actually sitting down and not curbside was Hawthorn and Caffe Calabria. I miss those days. Haven't driven in quite a while. I don't think I've bought gas for my car in 6 weeks! Yikes!

[Kirk]

It just seems so long ago now doesn't it CC?