Sam Woo BBQ-Eating out during COVID

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Today's post is written by Cathy. Kirk is taking a vacation with His Missus.

As you may recall, The Mister and I try to have a meal before grocery shopping.  If you type "Sam Woo" in the search box at the top left on the blog, there are over 200 results where this restaurant is mentioned; a bunch of those are my posts, because this is our 'stop' before shopping at 99Ranch Market (go ahead and search "99 Ranch"; there are over 800 results).

Sam Woo was one of the first 'dining out' places we ventured out to try once dining in was allowed again.   Tables were protected and distanced. It was not crowded.
 When we ordered from the lunch menu (back in March) they just brought us this huge bowl vegetable soup. I assume since it was not busy and they were happy to see us again. (SW is back to bringing out individual bowls with the lunch menu).
 We also received a communal bowl of steamed rice with our lunches.  This was Fish in XO sauce ($12.95)(current price)(also, hot tea is 30¢) which I was craving.  It was just so perfect, with the fresh vegetables, plump fish and XO umami . (They now bring out individual rice bowls).
 Shrimp in Black Bean Sauce ($11.95) was my other craving that day and the saltiness hit the spot.  The plump shrimp and more fresh vegetables were just so nice to have after so much at home cooking. 
  Of course, we try to avoid crowds when grocery shopping and Sam Woo for breakfast is our usual stop.  Coffee is now 70¢ (as is hot tea) and with the condensed milk is just a perfect offset to the savory breakfast. 
 Number one on the breakfast menu- rice vermicelli with lunch meat (fake Spam)($6.50) is always considered.  Number two on the menu is stir fried wide flat rice noodles with soy beans and soy sauce (Wok Hay!).  Number three, fried (crispy) noodles with bean sprouts are also considered.  Noodles with breakfast pretty much every time we go out.
 Fish filet porridge ($6.50)(four other porridges as well as 14 noodle soups are on the breakfast menu) is my usual choice; it has wonderful flavor.  Fried donuts ($2) are also now made here (used to have to run across the hall to pick some up at the 99Ranch steam table) making the breakfast complete. 
 Roast duck Lo Mein ($6.50) is always a choice when we see the ducks hanging in the BBQ area (sometimes they are not out early when we are here). Crisp skin, tender meat, savory broth along with non-mushy noodles and steamed box choy makes a great breakfast.  

Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant 7330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Ste 103 San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 505-9888 Open seven days 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

 (Old photo; fond memory.  You now have to request condiments)

Comments

[Sandy]

Thanks for the reminder to dine at Sam Woo BBQ; it's been a long time since I've been there, pre-COVID. It used to be a regular spot, but somehow fell out of the rotation.

[Soo]

Mmm... I've been there alot. So many things to choose from: https://www.hungryones.com/2020/08/sam-woo-3/

[kat]

everything looks delicious!

[TFD]

I do miss Sam Woo. Thanks for the update.

[Cathy]

Same with us, Sandy. Going grocery shopping changed during COVID-19 and some 'old ways' slipped, but we are trying to get back in the habit of going out to eat before shopping-helping a local place and enjoying food we can't make taste the same at home.

Oh, that whole "To Go" Steam Tray area is a separate post, Soo! Between those steam trays and various Taco Shops, all of our 'pick up and bring home' meals were more than 90% there. We mostly chose the roast pork, but the duck was a close second.

It's always good here, Kat. Comfort food.

It's funny how the most simple things are missed, TFD. The prices have increased, the people waiting the tables are (mostly) all new but the food/menu choices are consistent.

[caninecologne]

I will have to go here with Bert to try that fish porridge and donut stick. We haven't been to this location since pre-covid.

[Cathy]

Some mornings, I just want fish for breakfast, and the porridge here is great, cc. We are happy that Sam Woo remained open since we like to eat before shopping at 99Ranch. Most of the waitresses are new/different than before.