This past weekend, on my way to do my shopping....it was a bit later than usual because of work; I decided to check out what was going on in Kearny Mesa with regards to outdoor dining....I call it Convoy's Tent City. Things moved quickly when San Diego started allowing restaurants to move outdoors without a permit and I heard Convoy really picked things up. So, I just decided to check things out as I went shopping. Pardon the photos - they were all taken with my iPhone while driving.
My first stop was Marukai and when driving down Kearny Villa Road on my way to Nijiya; it wasn't long before I started seeing things...this is Tajima on Mercury.
Upon getting to the parking lot of Nijiya; I got to see Woomiok's al fresco dining area; which was pretty well set-up with good social distancing.
The next strip mall over had Bistro Kaz….
Koubou…..
And Izakaya Sakura......though it was too early for customers.
However, Old Fashioned Pancake House was doing some major business.....
And then I went for a quick look at "that" strip mall, the one that Eater mentioned....you know the one, right? The almost unanimous winner of worst parking lot on Convoy.
O'Briens looked set-up.
And man, RakiRaki seemed to take up like a third of the parking lot; but the spacing looked good.
Which is why I was somewhat disconcerted when a good friend of mine told me that RakiRaki was filling up this corner area and not really using the large widely spaced area until the corner was filled. It looks like there's less circulation and spacing......
Hmmmm…….
On Friday late afternoon I went to Sprouts. When I arrived a police vehicle pulled in.....when I got to the register I saw what was happening. There was a guy who was refusing to wear a mask in Sprouts. Sigh...… If you follow me on Twitter you already know what I saw.
Anyway, the staff at Sprouts and the officers were so very patient and professional. Sprouts even offered to provide a mask for the guy....who initially refused. Finally the officers got through to the guy, Sprouts provided a mask and even opened a register specifically for him. Of course as soon as he walked out the door he threw the mask on the ground. One of the officers made him come back and pick it up. I'm mentioning this; not to shame the guy....even though you can figure out what I think. Rather, I want to highlight the patience and professionalism of the staff at Sprouts and the Officers involved.
Frankie Makes 17!
This is kinda late; but on June 23rd, Frankie made 17! I went to buy him a balloon on the way home. When I chose the balloon, the folks asked me if I just wanted one single balloon. When I mentioned it was for our dog who just made 17, they gave me a discount!
Like I always say; there are more good people in the world then bad.
Frankie doesn't get around like he used to.....stairs and stuff are difficult, he's partially blind, a good walk for him is one block these days. But, he still eats like a champ and loves his snacks.
And....since I think a photo of food is needed....here's dinner tonight.
Take care and be safe everyone!
happy birthday frankie!
Posted by: kat | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 12:21 AM
Long live Frankie!
Posted by: Alan Hays | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 04:49 AM
Frankie thanks you Kat!
Thanks so much Alan!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 05:54 AM
Happy birthday, Frankie!
Posted by: James | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 06:49 AM
Yay Frankie! So glad you are loved by your people who obviously take such good care of you. You are still looking super cute as a senior doggie! Way to go, making it to another birthday!!!
P.S. - This past weekend we also went for a drive to the Convoy area just to see all the makeshift outdoor dining set-ups (and I was sad to see China Max's burned structure... I'd previously only seen it in photos). First time ever driving to Convoy and not coming away with full bellies or takeout or groceries (it was so tempting to stop and get some takeout but we already had a fridge full of homemade leftovers... been trying to cook at home more recently). Looking forward to some day in the future when dining can be normal again. But impressed with how so many places are making it work during these crazy times! Thanks for sharing your Convoy pics too!
Posted by: dancing | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 07:43 AM
Wow, 17! Happy Birthday, Frankie! You are still as cute as ever!
Posted by: Lynnea Fleming | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 08:11 AM
Frankie thanks you James!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 09:36 AM
Somehow I just knew we would have a wonderful comment from you Dancing! Frankie sends his love!
Yeah, we gotta try and get Frankie ready to pick his college Lynnea! ;o) Thanks so much for commenting!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 09:37 AM
Happy birthday Frankie!
I shudder at the memory of that O'Brien's/Tofu House parking lot, especially with all the tents out. Does everyone just have to park on the street now?
Posted by: MrZ | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 02:51 PM
Frankie thanks you MrZ! I was waiting for someone to mention THAT parking lot. So, the sign next to the closed O'Brien's entrance says to use street parking. But folks were parking in the center of the lot....not that'd I'd like to take my chances and do that.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 04:30 PM
Happy birthday Frankie! I went to O'Brien's for lunch on Saturday. You have to purchase a full meal so only had 2 beers. They had a nice setup.
Posted by: Junichi | Monday, 20 July 2020 at 07:56 PM
Glad you had a chance to get out and enjoy yourself Junichi!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 21 July 2020 at 05:54 AM
Happy Birthday Frankie!
Where do you park with Tent City up? Normally there are no spots around lunch time so I usually eat there after lunch.
Posted by: Soo | Tuesday, 21 July 2020 at 10:44 AM
Thanks Soo! When eating in the strip mall from hell; I used to try and go as early as possible; otherwise, I'd try to find parking on Ruffner or Opportunity Rd.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 21 July 2020 at 11:37 AM
Happy Birthday Frankie! 17 is quit a feat for a dog! Wishing you lots of love, belly rubs, and good meals!
Hi Kirk!
I recently (within the last few months) tried Woomiok for the first time and really enjoyed my meal. The seolleongtang was better than what I had Halmuni.
I've been up in San Francisco since August of 2017, but I'm moving back to San Diego at the start of next month. I'm definitely excited to re-visit all my old haunts, even if just to get takeout or eat al fresco.
When all this Covid business has subsided, and you and the Missus find yourself back in SF, check out a restaurant called Daeho in Japantown. Their specialty is kalbijjim but I've heard their other menu items (seolleongtang included) are pretty good as well.
Posted by: Black Belt Jonez | Tuesday, 21 July 2020 at 11:48 AM
My goodness, it's great to hear from you Black Belt Jonez! Frankie thanks you in advance for all the belly rubs I now owe him! ;o) Welcome back to San Diego and thanks for the SF recommendations! Hope your move back goes smoothly. Take care!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 21 July 2020 at 12:15 PM