I received an interesting email after doing my post on El Zarape 10 years later from "MattT". It was a very nice email, Matt is a rather newish reader, and he said he enjoyed our posts......except he totally disagreed with how I felt about the chicken from Saffron. He mentioned moving to San Diego himself, not knowing his way around, finding Saffron, and really "connecting" with the chicken there. I took a look at my last post post on Saffron, and holy-moly, it's over 12 years old! Well, a lot can happen over 12 years. In 2016, beloved Su-Mei Yu either sold or went into a partnership with Karina's Group. If I recall, the group tried opening a location of Saffron in La Jolla, but that didn't last long. I know that the airport location is still in business.
So, I decided that it was time to try that chicken again at Saffron. So, after hitting up Lazy Acres and making another short stop (more at the end of the post), I headed on down to India avenue and instantly found free parking on the street. Maybe things were looking up.
It was just after eleven and Saffron looked to be doing some good business.
I hadn't been here in so long......a few years back Karina took over the old chicken shop location and Saffron condensed its menu and moved all operations to the restaurant.
I just went with what I thought would work best in terms of flavor and ordered the Two Thighs Combo with the Sweet Pepper Sauce ($12).
Before I show you what my meal looked like; here's the chicken in 2006:
This is 2010.
And this is what I got on this visit.
Yikes. Well, the chicken was nice and moist, but the skin lacked color, was really rubbery, and worst of all the whole thing lacked flavor. I mean it really lacked flavor. Like I've said before, I really can't call this Kai Yaang. Strange thing is, I've made recipes from Su-Mei Yu's cookbook and things have turned out well. In fact, there's a "Gai Yang" recipe in Cracking the Coconut and it utilizes her "Big Four Paste" (coriander seeds/peppercorns/garlic/cilantro), more garlic, fresh ginger, cumin, caraway, and tumeric. None of which was present here.
The rice was nicely cooked, the Cambodian Salad, like on my previous visits was the best item of the meal.
Overall, it's just not my thing. I do understand that Su-Mei Yu is much beloved here in San Diego. In fact, while waiting for my food, I was treated to a video of Su-Mei Yu cooking with a very familiar figure.
So Matt, I'm sorry that I didn't quite enjoy the chicken from Saffron. And that's ok. I'm sure there are folks who read posts of my sentimental favorites and wonder, "what the heck is wrong with Kirk's tastebuds here". We all have our favorites and sometimes it may not that gastronomically great meal.......but it may take us back to a certain time or place or event and that is great as well.
Thanks for the revisit reminder Matt!
Saffron Thai
3737 India St.
San Diego, CA 92103
Hours:
Daily 11am - 9pm
Before heading to Saffron, I decided to finally check out a sight in the area that had been on my list for ages; Harper's Topiary Garden. So, I made the drive to Union and Vine Street and finally laid eyes upon this wonderful, whimsical creation.
I loved all the different characters....you can't help but smile when looking at this wonderful labor of love.
If you're wondering what the story is check out the story here. You'll love it!
And also check out CC's post on Harper's Topiary Garden! Hope to see a new post one of these days CC!
Saffron used to be a favorite of mine but it went downhill when it was bought. Everyone swore the same recipes would be used, which I'm sure they are, but they're just following a formula and not cooking with love and passion. Not a visit would go by without Su-Mei Yu in the kitchen carefully crafting, smelling, serving, etc. and when she left the building so too did everything that made the place special and high quality. About the only thing that's still edible are the spring rolls, mainly on account of the fragrant mint, otherwise the chicken and every single soup, noodle, or rice dish I've had has been greasy, tasteless, and bland.
Posted by: Joy | Tuesday, 30 August 2022 at 07:49 PM
bummer
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 12:45 AM
Wow, you actually went there. Thanks for checking them out. Sorry, it wasn’t good. I still love the place tho’
Posted by: Matt | Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 09:28 AM
Yeah -- Saffron lasted just one year in La Jolla at 1055 Torrey Pines Road -- from October 2018 to November 2019. It's now a Karina's Cantina. Haven't been. When we do Mexican in La Jolla, we usually head to Jose's Court Room.
Posted by: Peter | Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 09:47 AM
lmao I never thought of Saffron as a Thai restaurant
Posted by: Som Tommy | Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 09:58 AM
I agree with everything Joy said above, it's just not the same since Su-Mei Yu left. Just seeing her in the restaurant was a comfort in itself. Used to go at least once a week to the little take out shop, I really miss that place.
Posted by: Diane | Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 11:51 AM
Food is like art. Different strokes for different folks.
Posted by: Junichi | Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 12:04 PM
The chicken didn't have much flavor when I visited in 2020: https://www.hungryones.com/2020/04/saffron-thai/
Posted by: Soo | Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 12:20 PM
Hi Joy - To be perfectly honest, even back when I was doing consulting work here in the late 90's, I wasn't particularly enamored with Saffron. Though I have to agree, the food on this visit was definitely bad.
Totally a bummer Kat!
Thanks for reminding me about Saffron Matt!
Wow, they didn't last long at all in La Jolla Peter!
To be perfectly honest, neither have I ST.
Yes, it seems to have slid quite a bit Diane!
Even fast food Junichi! ;o) Yes, food is highly personal and subjective.
Well, it seems they're consistent Soo!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 07:17 PM