Saturday Stuffs: Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken, the Sign for Kumo is up, and Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa

Just a couple of things for a damp and chilly Saturday.

Lucy Ethiopian Replacing FireBirds Chicken:

I had been wondering when I'd see signs (no pun intended) that the Hot Chicken fad was hitting saturation point. Well, on a recent visit  to City Heights I drove past what is now the former location of FireBirds Chicken. It looks like it'll be replaced by "Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant".

So, like Poke Bowls, Ramen, Korean Style Hot Dogs.........

4155 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92105

The Sign for Kumo Is Up: 

Back in June of last year, I read that a Japanese Sando shop was opening in the Plaza Sorrento Food Court. According to what I read, both in the Eater post and on what I'm assuming is the businesses website, it was going to open during the summer of 2021.

During my visits to Nanay's and Sue's Korean Kitchen I took a look around and did see empty businesses but no definite sign of the place.

Fast forward to my last last visit to Sue's....well, there it was.

The shop is actually suite 108, right next to Sue's.

I'm guessing all this Covid-ness and such has caused a delay in the opening.

6755 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Suite 108
San Diego, CA 92121

Taking a Drive in Serra Mesa: 

I'm finally starting to get out a bit more; though I'm still a bit cautious and "gun shy". 

Recently, after doing some shopping at Nijiya; I decided to take "the long way home", via Aero Drive. For a few years our office was located near Montgomery Field. But I really never visited the area much once we moved our offices. And since Covid, other than a single takeout visit from Kokoro; I can't say I've been in the area at all.

So, I decided to just take a quick drive to see how things are.

Just along Aero Drive; well, there are noticeable changes. The long time Argentinian restaurant Pampas Grill closed in 2019 and the spot is still empty.

Though Pear's Thai, which was previously Ka Ti Thai is still there.

Down on Murphy Canyon Road; well, there's a lot more changes.

Pho SaiGon Bliss is now Luxe Boba & Tea.

3755 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

And the mall seems to have a lot of vacancies.

And the Sizzler closed down in 2020, around the time the chain filed Chapter 11. This space is also still empty.

I believe there's one location left in San Diego....not that I'm going to plan on eating there anytime soon. Though Sizzler was a regular stop after working the evening shift back home in Honolulu, though that location closed down years ago as well.

It does seem things are a lot more stable around the strip mall off Sandrock and Greyling.

I'm sure "Mr Z" will be happy to note that Thai Pepper Cuisine is still open! Hope all is well Mr Z!

3361 Sandrock Road
San Diego, CA 92123

And both Kokoro and Maggie's Cafe are still open.

3232 Greyling Dr
San Diego, CA 92123

And heck, I passed this business with the Grand Opening sign......but no other signage....I'll check them out; along with Soup Du Jour (formerly Carve Modern Deli) hopefully soon.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Comments

[Joy]

The hot chicken fad is definitely dying - for a while it seemed like everyone in the county was within a 10-minute drive from a hot chicken shop. I felt like the whole thing jumped the shark when it showed up on KFC menus several years ago.

[Kirk]

Yes Joy; that was a sure sign!

[Sandy]

Even before COVID, I rarely visited that strip mall on Murphy Canyon Road, even though it's not too far from the office. I have fond memories of going to Sizzlers in college; it was a real treat when my roommate's friend would drive us to Sizzler for a special dinner!

Totally forgot about the pho place (which looked forgettable) and Carve (I even commented on it). I'm back in the office on a hybrid schedule, and will try to check out Soup du Jour soon.

[Kirk]

I hope all works out well Sandy! Sizzler was a eal treat when I was younger as well......great memories for me. Let me know how Soup du Jour is if you visit before me.

[Denver]

I’m surprised that Sizzler’s survived that long. Obi’s Sushi in that same strip mall is pretty good.

[Kathy Quinn]

Love Pear’s Thai! During the height of Covid I would order from the doorway and wait in my car. The nice owner would bring it outside for me, never waiting more than 10 minutes.

[Kirk]

I think a lot of folks have memories of Sizzler Denver.....that's kinda what kept them going. Thanks for the rec' on Obi's

That's awesome Kathy! Can't beat great service!

[MrZ]

Hi Kirk! Thanks for mentioning me. Glad to hear Thai Pepper Cuisine is still open. I do miss all the eating options in that area. Lately I've been doing lots of evening martial arts which finish at 8pm, and when I try to get takeout after 8pm everything is closed! It boggles my mind why there's so few restaurants in Seattle open after 8pm.

[Kirk]

Hey Mr Z, great to hear from you! I don't recall places closing so early in SEA; could it be a Covid thing? Anyway, hope you and the family are doing well.

[MrZ]

Hi Kirk, it could be a COVID thing, I wasn't doing this schedule pre-COVID. Family is doing well, my son is nine years old now. Time really flies!

[Kirk]

9 years old! Wow, time sure has flown MrZ! Good to know the family is doing well.