Sunday "Stuffs" - Lalo's Closes, JJ Chicken Coming to Towne Center, Taco Stand on Convoy, Nijiya's Hokkaido Festival, and Other "Stuffs"

Here's some odds and ends for a nice Sunday.

Lalo's Tacos Al Pastor Closes:

 I noticed that Lalo's had closed when I recently had to drop by Penzy's. I have to say I was a bit surprised since they've been in this spot since we moved to San Diego over 20 years ago. I was never a big fan; but folks I worked with when my office was in Hillcrest enjoyed Lalo's.

I guess maybe the pandemic did them in.

1266 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103

JJ Chicken Coming to To Renaissance Towne Centre:

Well, at least that's what the sign says.

 Since I'm back in the office I dropped by one of my usual stops in this strip mall to see how they were doing (they were quite busy). And noticed the sign in the photo to the right in the window of what I think used to be Edo Sushi?

Doing some quick searches, I wasn't able to find much. Perhaps the next time I stop by they'll be more info.....

8895 Towne Centre Dr.
San Diego, CA 92122

Work on the Taco Stand on Convoy:

Driving down Convoy, headed to Nijiya this past morning, I noticed work on the Taco Stand was going on (read more about it on Eater). So, I took a quick drive into the parking lot from hell....which thankfully was quite empty at 850 on a Saturday morning.

According to the post on Eater, they were "Slated to open in early 2021"........but of course with the pandemic, difficulty in finding staff, etc, etc, etc....

4646 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111

The Hokkaido Fair at Nijiya - Until 09/22:

I dropped by Nijiya last Friday on my way home from work and was amazed at how busy they were! I waited over 20 minutes in line to get to the cashier, who happened to be a young lady that also works at Bay Park Coffee. I mentioned how busy they were and she told me it was because of the Hokkaido Fair......Hokkaido Fair? How the heck did I miss that memo?

Anyway, I went home and mentioned this to the Missus and guess what? Well, we headed back down to Nijiya later that evening. Luckily; even though the parking lot was packed, Nijiya wasn't overly busy. Even though there seemed to be less items then I recalled from previous "fairs" we had a blast. And things were selling fast! 

I think that perhaps folks are missing the travel, the variety, the fun and comfort these days. I know I felt a wonderful nostalgia seeing labels and items I recalled from our trip to Hokkaido. And the Missus just enjoyed Her puddings and cheesecake....oh, and those chocolate covered strawberries so much; guess who had to head back the next morning? Which I how I noticed the construction on the Taco Stand.

Anyway, here's some of what we got.

For some strange reason; I have an affinity to Hokkaido cheese.....

Anyway, things seem to be selling fast, so head on down if anything pictured above interests you.

3860 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111

And speaking of cheese - well, since I won't be riding the metro in Paris anytime soon:

Talking about the feeling of happiness and nostalgia. I had a surge of joy when I saw this at Bristol Farms.

At that point, the Missus and I decided to do charcuterie and cheese for dinner. 

And since, due to the pandemic, I don't think we'll be travelling to France this year, where Epoisses is supposedly banned on public transport, this would have to do. We're really missing international travel and I guess anytime we're able to travel with our tastebuds....well, for now that will have to do. 

Take care everyone; be safe, have compassion and empathy during these times!

Comments

[kat]

stay safe!

[Kirk]

You too Kat!

[Jason]

Speaking of odds and ends, the Skydeck opened at the Del Mar Highlands with a couple restaurants I thought you might be interested in trying. Marufuku Ramen and Ziziki's Greek. Plenty of folks picking up to-go, it gets a little crowded on the busy nights.

[Kirk]

Hi Jason - I do have Marufuku on my "list" and my sources have told me it get's pretty darn busy, so I'm waiting for things to calm down a bit before checking it out. I'll add Ziziki's Greek to my list as well! Thanks for the heads-up.

[Sandy]

I tried Marufuku a few weeks ago; I still prefer Menya Ultra for ramen. It had a hipster vibe, and is kind of noisy since it's in a big, open food hall. Avoid weekend nights!

[Kenneth Bonus]

bummer about Lalos. We used to eat there regularly when we lived in Hillcrest. Greetings from Cambria, where we plan to follow in your foodie footsteps!

[Kirk]

Thanks for the tips Sandy! It's great to hear form you; hope all is well.

That's great Ken....I'm so jealous! Let me know how things turn out.

[Soo]

Looking forward to trying JJ Chicken. That spot has been empty for a year.

[Kirk]

Yeah, that's a pretty large spot as well Soo. So hopefully it'll be good.

[alnc]

So, Epoisses joins durian as the only foods that have been banned on public transportation?
Did you buy some at Bristol?

[KIrk]

I think it might be an urban legend alnc! Regardless; we did buy it and really enjoyed it. Delici-yoso!!!

[Patty]

Any more news about JJ Fried Chicken in Town Center? It's been almost a year and nothing....

[Kirk]

Not that I've heard Patty. Let me check and see if I can find anything.

[Patty]

Thanks Kirk. The JJ Chicken sign isn't even there anymore. Mochinet in that same shopping center has also said "coming soon" for a very long time, but at least I've seen work going on in there from time to time....haven't seen any signs of life in JJ Chicken for awhile.

[Kirk]

Hi Patty - I drove by yesterday and noticed the same thing. I have a feeling they "bailed". I'll ask in an upcoming post.