Midweek Meanderings - Da Kine's Landing in La Mesa, Golden Chopsticks Opening in Mira Mesa, Romeo and Julieta Sold, and Panda Country (Clairemont Mesa) Closes

Here are a bunch of updates for this Wednesday.

Da Kine's Reopening in La Mesa:

**** This location is closed and Nelson is currently only doing catering

**** Da Kine's has reopened in La Mesa. A post can be found here.

I gotta hand it to all the wonderful F(riends) O(f) Y(oso) out there, you are all an amazing bunch.

I noted that Da Kine's had cleaned out their Linda Vista location back at the beginning of March.

I instantly received a couple of emails.....when I went to Bay Park Coffee that weekend Noel came out and asked if I knew about Da Kine's moving..... Man, that "coconut wireless" sure works pretty fast, huh? Noel told me he had a feeling that Nelson would move his shop closer to home...he lives in La Mesa.

Move the calendar forward a month and "FOY" DerekR emails me with the screen shot to the right.

Not five minutes later I receive another email; this one from "FOY" Kerri  who sent me an excerpt from Da Kine's Facebook page:

"Aloha Da Kine's Ohana! It's been a month since we've closed. We wanted to share an update with you.
Da Kine's has a new home! Our new location is off University Ave. in La Mesa. We're currently in the process of building the inside of the restaurant. Our expected opening will be mid to late summer 2021."

So, with Derek and Kerri already doing my work for me.....well, it's only right that I go check things out, right?

So, this past weekend I went to pick up some food for the Missus; She had something specific in mind for dinner after She got home from work.

I decided to Google some of those businesses on the sign and I headed off. Once arriving at the strip mall in question, I went ahead and opened up Da Kine's website to see if there were any clues.....and they made it easy for me with the new address.

And based on what I read....it seems that's going to be the new location.

I'm sad that they are leaving the neighborhood; but happy that they will keep the business going.

Call me a stalker or whateva', but I thought folks would be interested.

Awesome work Derek and Kerri!

Romeo and Julieta is sold:

The Missus and I were thinking about various Happy Hours we would like to go to once we're over the pandemic and Romeo and Julieta Wine Bar came to mind. I decided to check out the website and was sad to see that they had just closed, last day of business was April 11th, and the business has been sold.

Sad to see them go; but best wishes on their future endeavors.

4715 Monroe Ave
San Diego, CA 92115

Panda Country (Clairemont) Closes:

I stopped by Mister Falafel for the Missus a couple of weeks back. While waiting for my order I decided to take a stroll. I quickly noticed that the ABCDE Panda Country looked closed, so I walked over.

And sadly, the note on the door confirmed that they have closed....after 41 years. And while, like Troy's Family Restaurant down the street, Panda Country wasn't my cup of tea, it's sad to see a place that has been part of the neighborhood for so long close down. Much like the neighborhood diner, the local Chinese restaurant has always been part of the foundation of a neighborhood.

4455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

And Finally, Yes Golden Chopsticks is Coming to Mira Mesa:

*** Golden Chopsticks has finally opened - post can be found here.

And just to end this post on a high note.

After "FOYs" Elle and Sandy mentioned seeing the sign for "Golden Chopsticks" in the comment section of a recent post, well I had to go check it out. So, I dropped by during lunch yesterday.

And yes, right were I believe Payless Shoes used to be; in the mall that holds Target, Menya Ultra, Sandwich Emporium, and a host of others, was the Golden Chopsticks sign.

And soon enough, Eater San Diego confirmed that this is "that" Golden Chopsticks. So it looks like we'll finally be getting some decent Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings north of the "94". And while I'm solidly in the Royal Mandarin camp; I'll gladly partake of Salt and Pepper Chickens Wings from Golden Chopsticks.

8155 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92126

Thanks for the heads up Elle and Sandy!

And just for old times sake, remember this blast from the past?

Have a great week everyone!

Comments

[TFD]

Finally! A salt and pepper chicken wings place that's closer!

[Sandy]

Thanks for the mention! Yes, the Golden Chopsticks banner is at the old Payless Shoes store. Hope it won't be confusing with Golden Island in the same mall.

I'm also glad to hear that Da Kine's is opening, although it seems like the plate lunch spots are heading east (Island Style Cafe in Santee, Da Kine in La Mesa).

[kat]

have a great week!

[Kirk]

Yes, you won't have to drive quite as far TFD!

Thanks for the heads-up Sandy, I always appreciate that! It does seem like those plate lunch places are headed east.....

You too Kat!

[Soo]

The coconut wireless is awesome! Looking forward to the shorter drive to visit Golden Chopsticks. :-)

[James]

Selfishly I'm super excited about Da Kine's relocation because the new spot is about five minutes from my house!

[Kirk]

I know how much you like GC Soo....so I'm sure this is great news for you!

That's great James! You can get your plate lunch fix!

[RightCowLeftCoast]

Kirk,
The Homestyle Hawaiian location in Tierrasanta has changed ownership. The menu does not appear to have changed, yet. Just thought you should know.

[Kirk]

Hi RCLC - Yes, I was told that from another source as well. I'll check into it. Thanks for thinking of us!

[Jack]

Like you, I'm in the Royal Mandarin camp but glad that Golden Chopsticks is Mira Mesa.

Romeo and Julietta is walking distance from my house so I'm really sad to see it go.

I just came back from a trip to Maui and Oahu so it will be awhile before I eat local kine food, but what's your favorite these days? I rarely eat a plate lunch now but when you're in the mood, nothing else satisfies!

[Kirk]

I'm glad you had a chance to visit "home" Jack! I really can't put it away these days either.....so I stick with a locomoco 2-3 times a year; usually make the rounds, but prefer Island Style Cafe. When I'm really hungry it'll be Homestyle Hawaiin - usually the Mesa College location during these times. I'd have the Laulau/Kalua Pork plate from Da' Kine's every blue moon.

[Jack]

It was fun to go "home" again to Oahu since it's been many years...hit the local spots, visit family and talk story in the backyard eating poke and drinking green bottle beer ;)

[Kirk]

Sounds like a perfect trip Jack!