Revisits - Hola Paris and T.P. Banh Bao 3

You know, I will often complain about the lack of decent, diverse eating establishments here in San Diego. But then I'll look at my photos and realize while I believe there could be so much more to offer, I should be thankful for what we have here.

Case in point, having to catch up with things and recover from my jet lag, I made the two following breakfast stops this weekend. Yesterday, it was a savory crepe from Hola Paris in Old Town and for strange reason I was craving the "FBB" (fried banh bao) from T.P. Banh Bao 3. You really can't get more diverse than that, right?

Hola Paris:

**** Hola Paris has closed

On my way back from my typical Saturday morning "rounds", I decided to stop by the Old Town Urban Market to see what was going on since Tuetano moved out. Walking past Hola Paris, the owner Benjamin saw me.

He came out to say hello and mentioned that it had been a while since he last saw me! It's quite nice that he remembers me. He also mentioned that they've added a couple more options with regards to savory crepes. I guess he also remembers that I don't have much of a sweet tooth as well!

After chatting a bit, I decided to order one of the savory crepes and went with the Milo.

Soon enough it arrived.

Well, this was quite good. I loved how the salty-savory Prosciutto and the earthy-milky-nutty Brie balances out the sweetness of the crepe. The tomatoes added a nice acidity and I wish there was more of that. 

This was deceptively filling and rich. I enjoyed it and am glad I have a "go-to" here. I really enjoy chatting with Benjamin and will try to stop by more often.

Hola Paris
2548 Congress St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Current Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am - 4pm
Wednesday                   9am - 2pm
Sat - Sun                       9am - 6pm

T.P. Banh Bao 3:

While completing some shopping, I was strangely craving something......fried. Of course we didn't get any Asian food in Ecuador, but I'm not sure what brought on this sudden craving for a fried bao? Perhaps it's because it had been over three years since my last visit? Anyway, I decided to head on over. 

I really didn't want to wait for them to fry up the version with the salted egg, so I just got two of the pork, sausage, and egg which they had in the display case. The woman working was a hoot. She placed several napkins in the bag telling me "just in case you can't resist and have to eat them while driving!" Lol!

I was able to resist temptation and waited until I got home to enjoy these brown orbs of artery clogging deliciousness. 

The fried bao was still crunchy after the drive back home! There's an interesting combination of sweet-savory-porky-salty crunchiness with these. Oh, I could only finish one before needing a "timeout". I'll have the other one a bit later on.

This was a nice guilty pleasure. I'll probably wait awhile before having these again, since like "FOY" ChrisR mentioned to me in an email "I loved them, but I feel like they subtract weeks from my life expectancy."

T.P. Banh Bao 3
11271 Camino Ruiz
San Diego, CA 92126
Current Hours:
Mon - Fri  8am - 7pm
Sat - Sun   730am - 6pm

So I guess I need to stop whining about the lack of choices in San Diego, right?

We'd like to wish a most wonderful Mother's Day to all Mom's out there!

Comments

[kat]

nice reconnections:)

[Kirk]

I really enjoyed it Kat!

[Som Tommy]

I’m going to have to get me one of those fried baos

[Kirk]

Hope you get your "fix" soon ST!

[Stephanie]

I’ve never seen a fried bao in my life! Definitely has piqued my interest.

[Kirk]

It might be worth a try Stephanie....though be warned it's kinda, really fried....in the "I need to be hosed down after" way! ;o) Hope you enjoy it!

[Mar]

Welcome back, thanks for sharing photos of your amazing trip to Ecuador!

I was curious what would replace Tuetano. Bummed that they left Old Town and no longer have a more central location, they really were a draw for that market. But I think it's great that the owner seems to have a more permanent space in the neighborhood she grew up in in Chula Vista.

Is the mariscos place and walk-up bar that was next to Tuetano still there?

[Kirk]

Hi Mar - Ecuador and the Galapagos was amazing.

From what I could see the Mariscos place closed with Tuetano. The wine and plant shop look closed. There seems to be a tamale shop opened in that spot and I saw a sign for a sushi bar as well? Barrio Donas is doing some good business. I need to try Flor's Farm to Table. Looks like a burger place is going in where Tuetano was:

https://sandiego.eater.com/2024/5/2/24147210/bonehead-burger-co-restaurant-new-opening-old-town-imperial-beach-barrio-logan-san-diego

It's great to hear from you; hope all is well.

[Junichi]

According to their IG Hola Paris has closed =(

[Kirk]

What?!? I was just there a couple of weeks ago! Thanks for the update Junichi!

[Junichi]

I was checking out Fuego Sushi next door and noticed them closed. According to their IG their last day was Nov 10. Hopefully they can resurface somewhere else soon.

[Kirk]

I dropped by yesterday to take a look and yes, indeed all the signage is gone Junichi! So sad. Thanks for letting me know. BTW, how was Fuego?

[Junichi]

I went to fuego for a private party. Met the owners. Really nice couple. Hope they succeed!

[Kirk]

Awesome! Hope they do well Junichi. It seems like the location is cursed at times!