Grocery Market Steam Tray meals: Carnival, Sam Woo BBQ and Valley Foods

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a long running San Diego food blog.  Cathy is writing today while Kirk catches up with things.

At midnight, San Diego County is going back into the most strict lockdown phase (the purple tier, again).  (This time for at least three weeks).  Restaurants cannot be 'eat in'.  (Only outdoor dining will be allowed).  

The Mister and I have learned a lot during 2020. We have been cooking and baking more at home (another post) and initially would grab and go takeout from places that sort of specialize in take out items (Taco Shops; we have been to a lot of taco shops). I made a New Year Resolution more than 15 years ago that I would not use "drive through" windows anywhere and have stuck to that resolution to this day.  This resolution, which was meant to force me to park and walk inside businesses, has limited some access to food.

Anyhow, we also discovered a lot of restaurant food does not travel well and just doesn't taste the same at our table on our plates.  What we did realize is that grocery store Steam Tray food items DO travel well and make a good meal when we don't feel like cooking.

I wrote a post in 2012 about eating in at Carnival Market an we have had many meals to go from here over the years. The eat in area has been closed to the public since March. There is a good choice of meals and snacks in the steam tray area: fried and roasted chicken, many taco meats, various stews and fried fish. In particular, the fried whole fish plate (tilapia, rice, beans, tortillas ($7)) is a regular choice. There are a few daily choices of stews, sold by the pound (for an additional $2, you get tortillas, rice, beans, cilantro and onion).  The nice workers fill the container with meat, weigh and price it, then fill the rest with the juice.  This is beef birria (mutton is sometimes available).  

Carnival Supermarket 3560 Ashford Street San Diego 92111 (858) 277-1505 (Currently opens at 8 a.m. daily) 

I have written about eating in at Sam Woo, but not about the hundreds of quick meals we purchase at the Steam Tray area when first walking in.  Apparently I don't take many photos, either.   Choices of one, two and three items with rice or noodle usually has us ordering one all vegetable (eggplant) and a meat/vegetable choice.  Less than $7 and more than enough food to share.
 Except that we pretty much also ask for 1/2 pound of the BBQ pork or duck, because it is irresistible.

Sam Woo BBQ To Go 7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92111 (across the hall form 99Ranch Market) (currently opens at 9 a.m. daily) 

In East County, Valley Foods Mediterranean Market  has been around for more than ten years. The steam trays and grab and go areas have a great selection of choices.  Some things have changed. 

Now, if you would like a masgouf prepared fish, walk over to the fish counter and pick one out.  (currently, preparation including the fish is $3.99/pound) and the fish will be carried over to the steam try counter and you'll be asked if you want 'everything' (you do).  This fish was over three pounds ($14.33)(that's a regular size fork) and was two meals plus snacks for The Mister and myself. There are roasted tomatoes and onion in the pan. (Fun story about masgouf (the downfall of Saddam Hussein)).
 The fish is coated with oil and za'atar, a spice blend with thyme, oregano, savory and sumac as well as sesame seeds.  In the refrigerated area, we usually buy some baba ganoosh or hummus, the home made (cream top) yogurt and tabbouleh. There is an area next to the cash register with 'pizza', but really these are flatbreads, one topped with cheese, the other with za'atar ($1.50 each)   Next to the seafood counter, you'll see an open door (into the baking area) with signage above the door.  Breads made in stone ovens ($1.50 white, $1.75 wheat and $2 sesame topped).  I usually ask for the sesame topped bread and it's made fresh and handed to me in a paper bag, very hot. 

One day I was alone shopping and decided on something light. Beef or chicken kabob ($1.50 each). These are beef.  It is all I ordered.  I paid $3 plus tax.  Look at all the condiments!  Roasted tomato and onion, raw onion, pickles, pickled cabbage.  What a substantial meal. 

Valley Foods 1275 East Main Street El Cajon 92021 (619) 749-8355 Website

There are many choices for prepared foods in this time of COVID-19.

Comments

[RedDevil]

Your food choices look delicious. We’ve been doing a lot of takeout and have sadly gone through lots of drivethrus. Thanks for the posts and stay safe.

[kat]

the fish sounds so delicious! stay safe:)

[Soo]

That's cool you found some great to go food.

[Cathy]

Thanks, RD. We pick an ethnic market each week to do most shopping and each has some sort of prepared food area which inspires additional in-store purchases (spices, condiments, produce). In the time of COVID-19, being safe as well as creative has occurred.
We have purchased more prepared seafood items, lately, Kat. The caracsses (as well as shrimp shells) make a good seafood stock/soup.
I think people tend to ignore prepared foods at markets (other than the Costco rotisserie chicken), Soo. It is a good way to see how they do cook-and if you might want to grab some items for Thanksgiving sides (or full meal).