Turo-Turo Tuesday, the Covid-19 Edition Part 3 - Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles

**** Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles has closed

Sorry for the gap between posts...….I just didn't feel like posting after the events of the last couple of days.

But here's one that I need to finish; the last of the trilogy of turo-turo take-out from Mira Mesa - Mama Cinia.

Like other places, they've blocked off the small area where tables were. The folks here are really nice and friendly, marks on the floor for social distancing, though not quite as good as Manila Fast Food and Desserts. Still, things worked out fine. I decided on the Sisig (of course) and the Pinakbet looked pretty good.....and just "half rice".

The sisig was pretty good, meaty, with nice crunchy bits. In terms of texture, this was the best of the three I sampled. I still think it needs more "umph", needs to be more spicy and more vinegar, though on this visit, it was definitely better than Manila Fast Food. The pinakbet wasn't bad either, though the eggplant was a bit over-cooked and while the bittermelon had that wonderful tannic-bitterness, I think it could have used a bit more bagoong.

Still, not bad at all.

Mama Cinia Rice & Noodles
9178 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126

All three places had processes in place, which while perhaps not perfect, did the job. So, Spam comment dude, you got it all wrong man. Enough with all this stuff already.

Food should bring us together; my grandparents working on the plantation enjoyed an interesting variety of dishes.....because, even though the plantation management tried to keep all the nationalities apart to control them, they all had lunch together in the fields. A shared experience, one where in spite of the jokes we make about natto, balut, and harm ha, respect for each other is gained, smiles and food are shared, a wonderful cultural exchange. As travel has taught me....we are more alike than we are different.

Comments

[RedDevil]

Nice post, especially the last part.

[Kirk]

Thanks RD!

[barbara paddock]

Kirk, nicely said! Breaking bread together has always been trans-formative throughout history in bringing people together. Especially between cultures. I was lucky enough to have progressive parents so we had all kinds of folks and their cultural foods in my home growing up in the early 60s. My parents were very adventurous eaters. I am so grateful for that experience and have brought it forward in my life. That is why I enjoy your blog so much. Thank you for all you do!

[John Ikeda]

Loved the last paragraph because it represents being accepted by another Ohana. By sharing food and accepting all cultures as equal contributors, truly is the Aloha spirit that is Hawaii's strength. I hope the locals can survive the pandemic and recovery- Hawaii got expensive,crowded and limited with jobs. Living in Paradise unfortunately got to be more stressful.

I am amazed at the long history and quality of your blog - that is Great Ownership. It is always upbeat and entertaining- thank you. I wonder if we crossed paths at Korea House for Chicken Alice wings in the 80's - great Boomer memories.
Take care, stay healthy and eat well for you,
the Missus and Cathy. Aloha from a fan.

[Kirk]

Thanks so much Barbara. You were lucky to have parents that exposed you to various cultures. It makes life so much more rewarding.

Mahalo John! You made my day and captured what makes growing up in Hawai'i, at least it seems for our generations so special. And, I'm sure I must have ran into you at Korea House on Keeaumoku, we used to go there all.....whoa, maybe TMI???? ;o) Thanks again for the kind words! Take care!

[kat]

food definitely brings everyone together...thanks for always sharing your meals :)

[Kirk]

It sure does Kat! Thanks for always reading and commenting on our posts!